THE STANDARD MODEL OF QUANTUM MEASUREMENT THEORY - HISTORY AND APPLICATIONS

The standard model of the quantum theory of measurement is based on an interaction Hamiltonian in which the observable to be measured is mul tiplied by some observable of a probe system. This simple Ansatz has p roved extremely fruitful in the development of the foundations of quan tum mechanics. While the ensuing type of models has often been argued to be rather artificial, recent advances in guantum optics have demons trated their principal and practical feasibility. A brief historical r eview of the standard model together with an outline of its virtues an d limitations are presented as an illustration of the mutual inspirati on that has always taken place between foundational and experimental r esearch in quantum physics.