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Quantum sets and clifford algebras

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Abstract

The mathematical language presently used for quantum physics is a high-level language. As a lowest-level or basic language I construct a quantum set theory in three stages: (1) Classical set theory, formulated as a Clifford algebra of “S numbers” generated by a single monadic operation, “bracing,” Br = {…}. (2) Indefinite set theory, a modification of set theory dealing with the modal logical concept of possibility. (3) Quantum set theory. The quantum set is constructed from the null set by the familiar quantum techniques of tensor product and antisymmetrization. There are both a Clifford and a Grassmann algebra with sets as basis elements. Rank and cardinality operators are analogous to Schroedinger coordinates of the theory, in that they are multiplication or “Q-type” operators. “P-type” operators analogous to Schroedinger momenta, in that they transform theQ-type quantities, are bracing (Br), Clifford multiplication by a setX, and the creator ofX, represented by Grassmann multiplicationc(X) by the setX. Br and its adjoint Br* form a Bose-Einstein canonical pair, andc(X) and its adjointc(X)* form a Fermi-Dirac or anticanonical pair. Many coefficient number systems can be employed in this quantization. I use the integers for a discrete quantum theory, with the usual complex quantum theory as limit. Quantum set theory may be applied to a quantum time space and a quantum automaton.

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This material is based upon work supported in part by NSF Grant No. PHY8007921.

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Finkelstein, D. Quantum sets and clifford algebras. Int J Theor Phys 21, 489–503 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02650180

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