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Nature 430, 731-732 (12 August 2004) | doi:10.1038/430731a; Published online 11 August 2004
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Nonlinear dynamics: Quantizing the classical cat
Ian Stewart1
Abstract
A mathematical analysis of a pendulum system reveals the relevance to quantum systems of the classical concept of 'monodromy' — why a falling cat always lands the right way up.
A central problem in modern physics is to find effective methods for quantizing classical dynamical systems — modifying the classical equations to incorporate the effects of quantum mechanics. One of the main obstacles is the disparity between the linearity of quantum theory and the nonlinearity of classical dynamics.
- Ian Stewart is at the Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
Email: ins@maths.warwick.ac.uk
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