We consider probabilistic theories in which the most elementary system, a two-dimensional system, contains one bit of information. The bit is assumed to be contained in any complete set of mutually complementary measurements. The requirement of invariance of the information under a continuous change of the set of mutually complementary measurements uniquely singles out a measure of information, which is quadratic in probabilities. The assumption which gives the same scaling of the number of degrees of freedom with the dimension as in quantum theory follows essentially from the assumption that all physical states of a higher dimensional system are those and only those from which one can post-select physical states of two-dimensional systems. The requirement that no more than one bit of information (as quantified by the quadratic measure) is contained in all possible post-selected two-dimensional systems is equivalent to the positivity of density operator in quantum theory.
I introduce environment - assisted invariance -- a symmetry related to causality that is exhibited by correlated quantum states -- and describe how it can be used to understand the nature of ignorance and, hence, the origin of probabilities in quantum physics.
Zurek has derived the quantum probabilities for Schmidt basis states of bipartite quantum systems in pure joint states, from the assumption that they should be not be affected by one party's action if the action can be undone by the other party (``envariance of probability'') and an auxiliary assumption. We argue that a natural generalization of the auxiliary assumption is actually strong enough to yield the Born rule itself, but that Zurek's argument and protocol can be adapted to do without this assumption, at the cost of using envariance of probability in both directions. We consider altern…
The quantum-mechanical rule for probabilities, in its most general form of positive-operator valued measure (POVM), is shown to be a consequence of the environment-assisted invariance (envariance) idea suggested by Zurek [Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 120404 (2003)], being completed by Gleason's theorem. This provides also a method for derivation of the Born rule.
We provide a systematic derivation of the scaling behaviour of various quantities and establish in particular the scale invariance of the ionization probability. We discuss the gauge invariance of the scaling properties and the manner in which they can be exploited as consistency check in explicit analytical expressions, in perturbation theory, in the Kramers-Henneberger and Floquet approximation, in upper and lower bound estimates and fully numerical solutions of the time dependent Schroedinger equation. The scaling invariance leads to a differential equation which has to be satisfied by the …
Modal interpretations of quantum mechanics assign definite properties to physical systems and specify single-time joint probabilities of these properties. We show that a natural extension, applying to properties at several times, can be given if a decoherence condition is satisfied. This extension defines "consistent histories" of modal properties. We suggest a new form of the modal scheme, that offers prospects of a more general applicability of the histories concept. Finally, we discuss a possible way of applying these ideas to relativistic quantum field theory.
Milz and Strunz ({\it J. Phys. A}: {\bf{48}} [2015] 035306) recently studied the probabilities that two-qubit and qubit-qutrit states, randomly generated with respect to Hilbert-Schmidt (Euclidean/flat) measure, are separable. They concluded that in both cases, the separability probabilities (apparently exactly $\frac{8}{33}$ in the two-qubit scenario) hold {\it constant} over the Bloch radii ($r$) of the single-qubit subsystems, jumping to 1 at the pure state boundaries ($r=1$). Here, firstly, we present evidence that in the qubit-qutrit case, the separability probability is uniformly distrib…
We study the outcomes in a general measurement with postselection, and derive upper bounds for the pointer readings in weak measurement. Using the idea of weak measurement, we study Hardy's gedanken experiment and show how the "negative probabilities" emerge in weak measurement. By calculating the information gain of the measuring device about which path the particles pass through, we show that the "negative probabilities" only emerge for cases when the information gain is little due to very weak coupling between the measuring device and the particles. When the coupling strength increases, we …
The problems of Hadamard quantum coin flipping in n-trials and related generalized Fibonacci sequences of numbers were introduced in [1]. It was shown that for an arbitrary number of repeated consecutive states, probabilities are determined by Fibonacci numbers for duplicated states, Tribonacci numbers for triplicated states and N-Bonacci numbers for arbitrary N-plicated states. In the present paper we generalize these results for direct product of multiple qubit states and arbitrary position of repeated states. The calculations are based on structure of Fibonacci trees in space of qubit state…
In the Bayesian approach to probability theory, probability quantifies a degree of belief for a single trial, without any a priori connection to limiting frequencies. In this paper we show that, despite being prescribed by a fundamental law, probabilities for individual quantum systems can be understood within the Bayesian approach. We argue that the distinction between classical and quantum probabilities lies not in their definition, but in the nature of the information they encode. In the classical world, maximal information about a physical system is complete in the sense of providing defin…
The quantum Rabi model is a widespread description of the coupling between a two-level system and a quantized single mode of an electromagnetic resonator. Issues about this model's gauge invariance have been raised. These issues become evident when the light-matter interaction reaches the so-called ultrastrong coupling regime. Recently, a modified quantum Rabi model able to provide gauge-invariant physical results (e.g., energy levels, expectation values of observables, quantum probabilities) in any interaction regime was introduced [Nature Physics 15, 803 (2019)]. Here we provide an alternati…
This Chapter develops a realist information-theoretic interpretation of the nonclassical features of quantum probabilities. On this view, what is fundamental in the transition from classical to quantum physics is the recognition that \emph{information in the physical sense has new structural features}, just as the transition from classical to relativistic physics rests on the recognition that space-time is structurally different than we thought. Hilbert space, the event space of quantum systems, is interpreted as a kinematic (i.e., pre-dynamic) framework for an indeterministic physics, in the …
We use a novel form of quantum conditional probability to define new measures of quantum information in a dynamical context. We explore relationships between our new quantities and standard measures of quantum information, such as von Neumann entropy. These quantities allow us to find new proofs of some standard results in quantum information theory, such as the concavity of von Neumann entropy and Holevo's theorem. The existence of an underlying probability distribution helps shed light on the conceptual underpinnings of these results.
I show how probabilities arise in quantum physics by exploring implications of {\it environment - assisted invariance} or {\it envariance}, a recently discovered symmetry exhibited by entangled quantum systems. Envariance of perfectly entangled ``Bell-like'' states can be used to rigorously justify complete ignorance of the observer about the outcome of any measurement on either of the members of the entangled pair. For more general states, envariance leads to Born's rule, $p_k \propto |ψ_k|^2$ for the outcomes associated with Schmidt states. Probabilities derived in this manner are an objecti…
Given an arbitrary statistical theory, different from quantum mechanics, how to decide which are the nonclassical correlations? We present a formal framework which allows for a definition of nonclassical correlations in such theories, alternative to the current one. This enables one to formulate extrapolations of some important quantum mechanical features via adequate extensions of reciprocal maps relating states of a system with states of its subsystems. These extended maps permit one to generalize i) separability measures to any arbitrary statistical model as well as ii) previous entanglemen…
I show that probabilities in quantum mechanics are a measure of belief in the presence of human ignorance, just like all other probabilities. The Born interpretation of the square of modulus of the wave function arises from the interaction of a quantum system with an observer, and probabilities will not arise unless the observer is unable to access all the information available in the system's wave function. Quantum mechanics generally does not permit all the information to be obtained, even in principle, just as in relativity information from outside the past light cone cannot be obtained. Bu…
The Born rule for probabilities of measurement results is deduced from the set of five assumptions. The assumptions state that: (a) the state vector fully determines the probabilities of all measurement results; (b) between measurements, any quantum system is governed by that part of standard quantum mechanics, which does not refer to measurements; (c) probabilities of measurement results obey the rules of the classical theory of probability; (d) no information transfer is possible without interaction; (e) if two spin-1/2 particles are in the entangled state (sqrt(1-λ)|up>|up> + sqrt(λ)|down>|…
We analyze the notion that physical theories are quantitative and testable by observations in experiments. This leads us to propose a new, Bayesian, interpretation of probabilities in physics that unifies their current use in classical physical theories, experimental physics and quantum mechanics. Probabilities are the result of quantifying the domain of possibilities that results when we interpret observations within the framework of a physical theory. They could also be said to be measures of information used to make predictions based upon a physical theory.
We review the Consistent Amplitude approach to Quantum Theory and argue that quantum probabilities are explicitly Bayesian. In this approach amplitudes are tools for inference. They codify objective information about how complicated experimental setups are put together from simpler ones. Thus, probabilities may be partially subjective but the amplitudes are not.
Milz and Strunz recently reported substantial evidence to further support the previously conjectured separability probability of $\frac{8}{33}$ for two-qubit systems ($ρ$) endowed with Hilbert-Schmidt measure. Additionally, they found that along the radius ($r$) of the Bloch ball representing either of the two single-qubit subsystems, this value appeared constant (but jumping to unity at the locus of the pure states, $r=1$). Further, they also observed (personal communication) such separability probability $r$-invariance, when using, more broadly, random induced measure ($K=3,4,5,\ldots$), wit…
While a positive operator valued measure gives the probabilities in a quantum measurement, an instrument gives both the probabilities and the a posteriori states. By interpreting the instrument as a quantum channel and by using the typical inequalities for the quantum and classical relative entropies, many bounds on the classical information extracted in a quantum measurement, of the type of Holevo's bound, are obtained in a unified manner.
Three measures of the information content of a probability distribution are briefly reviewed. They are applied to fractional occupation probabilities in light nuclei, taking into account short-range correlations. The effect of short-range correlations is to increase the information entropy (or disorder) of nuclei, comparing with the independent particle model. It is also indicated that the information entropy can serve as a sensitive index of order and short-range correlations in nuclei. It is concluded that increasing $Z$, the information entropy increases i.e. the disorder of the nucleus inc…
Research Center for Quantum Physics, National Research and Innovation Agency（量子物理研究中心，国家研究与创新署）；Department of Physics, University of Maryland, Baltimore County（马里兰大学巴尔的摩分校物理系）；Quantum Science Institute, University of Maryland, Baltimore County（马里兰大学巴尔的摩分校量子科学研究所）；National Quantum Laboratory（国家量子实验室）
We study the probability assignment for the outcomes of time-extended measurements. We construct the class-operator that incorporates the information about a generic time-smeared quantity. These class-operators are employed for the construction of Positive-Operator-Valued-Measures for the time-averaged quantities. The scheme highlights the distinction between velocity and momentum in quantum theory. Propositions about velocity and momentum are represented by different class-operators, hence they define different probability measures. We provide some examples, we study the classical limit and w…
We believe that the hypothesis `it from bit' originates from the assumption that probabilities have a fundamental, irremovable status in quantum theory. We argue against this assumption and highlight four well-known reformulations / modifications of the theory in which probabilities and the measuring apparatus do not play a fundamental role. These are: Bohmian Mechanics, Dynamical Collapse Models, Trace Dynamics, and Quantum Theory without Classical Time. Here the `it' is primary and the `bit' is derived from the `it'.
The Horodecki family employed the Jaynes maximum-entropy principle, fitting the mean (b_{1}) of the Bell-CHSH observable (B). This model was extended by Rajagopal by incorporating the dispersion (σ_{1}^2) of the observable, and by Canosa and Rossignoli, by generalizing the observable (B_α). We further extend the Horodecki one-parameter model in both these manners, obtaining a three-parameter (b_{1},σ_{1}^2,α) two-qubit model, for which we find a highly interesting/intricate continuum (-\infty < α< \infty) of Hilbert-Schmidt (HS) separability probabilities -- in which, the golden ratio is featu…
The relativistic quantum field theory is the unique theory that combines the relativity and quantum theory and is invariant under the Poincaré transformation. The ground state, vacuum, is singlet and one particle states are transformed as elements of irreducible representation of the group. The covariant one particles are momentum eigenstates expressed by plane waves and extended in space. Although the S-matrix defined with initial and final states of these states hold the symmetries and are applied to isolated states, out-going states for the amplitude of the event that they are detected at a…
A network of agents is considered whose decision processes are described by the quantum decision theory previously advanced by the authors. Decision making is done by evaluating the utility of alternatives, their attractiveness, and the available information, whose combinations form the probabilities to choose a given alternative. As a result of the interplay between these three contributions, the process of choice between several alternatives is multimodal. The agents interact by exchanging information, which can take two forms: (i) information that an agent can directly receive from another …
The appearance of linear spaces, describing physical quantities by vectors and tensors, is ubiquitous in all of physics, from classical mechanics to the modern notion of local Lorentz invariance. However, as natural as this seems to the physicist, most computer scientists would argue that something like a "local linear tangent space" is not very typical and in fact a quite surprising property of any conceivable world or algorithm. In this paper, we take the perspective of the computer scientist seriously, and ask whether there could be any inherently information-theoretic reason to expect this…
Quantum particles can be obtained from a classical probability distribution in phase space by a suitable coarse graining, whereby simultaneous classical information about position and momentum can be lost. For a suitable time evolution of the classical probabilities and choice of observables all features of a quantum particle in a potential follow from classical statistics. This includes interference, tunneling and the uncertainty relation.
A principle of information conservation is shown in abstract terms to rule out probabilistic physical laws, necessitating the existence of state trajectories. It furthermore provides a geometric-thermodynamic mechanism for the appearance of probability distributions at the operational level, and thus may provide a dynamical explanation for Born's rule of quantum probabilities. This link between geometry and operational probabilities is argued to be a promising angle from which to study the potential for "hidden information" in quantum systems, and guide efforts in quantum foundations more gene…
Information measures for relativistic quantum spinors are constructed to satisfy various postulated properties such as normalisation invariance and positivity. Those measures are then used to motivate generalised Lagrangians meant to probe shorter distance physics within the maximum uncertainty framework. The modified evolution equations that follow are necessarily nonlinear and simultaneously violate Lorentz invariance, supporting previous heuristic arguments linking quantum nonlinearity with Lorentz violation. The nonlinear equations also break discrete symmetries. We discuss the implication…
In this paper we provide a simple random-variable example of inconsistent information, and analyze it using three different approaches: Bayesian, quantum-like, and negative probabilities. We then show that, at least for this particular example, both the Bayesian and the quantum-like approaches have less normative power than the negative probabilities one.
The present paper investigates the update of an empirical probability distribution with the results of a new set of observations. The optimal update is obtained by minimizing either the Hellinger distance or the quadratic Bregman divergence. The results obtained by the two methods differ. Updates with information about conditional probabilities are considered as well.
Recently, Almheiri, Dong, and Harlow have argued that the localization of bulk information in a boundary dual should be understood in terms of quantum error correction. We show that this structure appears naturally when the gauge invariance of the boundary theory is incorporated. This provides a new understanding of the non-uniqueness of the bulk fields (precursors). It suggests a close connection between gauge invariance and the emergence of spacetime.
Gauge and diffeomorphism invariance from quantum information principles
Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya（加泰罗尼亚地图与地质研究所）；Departamento de Física Teórica, Centro de Astropartículas y Física de Altas Energías (CAPA), Universidad de Zaragoza（萨拉戈萨大学理论物理系高能粒子与天体物理中心）；Centre for Quantum Technologies, National University of Singapore（新加坡国立大学量子技术中心）；Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC)（巴塞罗那超级计算中心）
The modern description of elementary particles, as formulated in the Standard Model of particle physics, is built on gauge theories. Gauge theories implement fundamental laws of physics by local symmetry constraints. For example, in quantum electrodynamics, Gauss's law introduces an intrinsic local relation between charged matter and electromagnetic fields, which protects many salient physical properties including massless photons and a long-ranged Coulomb law. Solving gauge theories by classical computers is an extremely arduous task, which has stimulated a vigorous effort to simulate gauge-t…
