Time Reversal Invariance in Quantum Mechanics

TL;DR

This paper explores time reversal invariance in quantum mechanics, comparing standard and alternative accounts, and reviews experimental evidence of T-violation in mesons.

Contribution

It introduces an alternative account of time reversal in quantum mechanics and discusses its significance alongside existing theories and experimental findings.

Findings

Comparison of standard and alternative T-reversal accounts

Review of three T-violation mechanisms in quantum systems

Analysis of experiments detecting T-violation in mesons

Abstract

Symmetries have a crucial role in today's physics. In this thesis, we are mostly concerned with time reversal invariance (T-symmetry). A physical system is time reversal invariant if its underlying laws are not sensitive to the direction of time. There are various accounts of time reversal transformation resulting in different views on whether or not a given theory in physics is time reversal invariant. With a focus on quantum mechanics, I describe the standard account of time reversal and compare it with my alternative account, arguing why it deserves serious attention. Then, I review three known ways to T-violation in quantum mechanics, and explain two unique experiments made to detect it in the neutral K and B mesons.