Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Noise

A better understanding of quantum noise is increasingly important as the practical uses of coherent quantum devices become more widespread. For example one question that is currently a focus of attention is whether the 1/f quantum noise in Josephson junction circuits is a fundamental property of any device with quantum coherence or simply a reflection of mundane surface defects. In this talk, Chapline introduces the Zitterbewegung phenomena in relativistic quantum mechanics as an example of quantum noise that might be regarded as “fundamental”. He then illustrates using path integral quantization of the Bogoliubov dispersion relation why an analogous source of noise might be present in any practical device with quantum coherence.