Topics on Foundations of Physics: From the quantum to the (semi) classical, gravity, thermodynamics, and (or beyond) our possible detections

Abstract

The work leading to this thesis focuses on assessing and extending quantum theories in order to explore and test their implications across various regimes -- including thermodynamics, semiclassical and quantum gravity scenarios, and the in principle detectable predictions of such theories. The general motivation stems from a basic desire to understand the world form its very foundations. For instance, how can we bridge the gap between what we observe or `perceive' and the fundamental quantum nature in our theories. In particular, this work originated from the search to a better understanding of the nature of time according to our physical theories and the common perception that it invariably `flows' to the future, or, in other words, why do we observe distinct natural processes evolving asymmetrically in time? These motivations led to three distinct, yet interconnected and successful, lines of research, presented here in three separate parts: I. On Possible Detections within Physical Theories; II. On Explaining the Approach to Thermodynamic Equilibrium; and III. Relativistic Collapse Theories and a Self-Consistent Model of Semiclassical Gravity.

Doctoral thesis submitted to the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Front page and acknowledgments are in Spanish, the main body is in English. Introductions are in both languages. This version contains typographical and editorial improvements made after the institutional submission: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14330/TES01000881995 .(112 pages, 5 figures)