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RESEARCH PRODUCT

A Mechanistic Reading of Quantum Laser Theory

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Quantum laser theory proceeds in a way that seems at variance with the mechanistic model of explanation. First, as is typical for a complex systems theory, the detailed behavior of the component parts plays a surprisingly subordinate role. In particular, the so-called “enslaving principle” seems to defy a mechanistic reading. Moreover, being quantum objects, the “parts” of a laser are neither located in space nor describable as separate entities. I want to show that, despite these apparent obstacles, quantum laser theory constitutes a good example of a mechanistic explanation in a quantum physical setting, provided that one broadens the notion of mechanism. One may feel that such adjustments are ad hoc and question-begging. However, I will argue that the necessary adjustments are far more natural and less drastic than one may expect. Among other things I suggest that the structural similarities between semiclassical and quantum laser theory support a mechanistic reading of the latter.