This dissertation investigates questions arising in the consistent histories formulation of the quantum mechanics of closed systems. Various criteria for approximate consistency are analysed. The connection between the Dowker-Halliwell criterion and sphere packing problems is shown and used to prove several new bounds on the violation of probability sum rules. The quantum Zeno effect is also analysed within the consistent histories formalism and used to demonstrate some of the difficulties involved in discussing approximate consistency. The complications associated with null histories and infinite sets are briefly discussed.
The possibility of using the properties of the Schmidt decomposition to define an algorithm which selects a single, physically natural, consistent set for pure initial density matrices is investigated. The problems that arise are explained, and different possible algorithms discussed. Their properties are analysed with the aid of simple models. A set of computer programs is described which apply the algorithms to more complicated examples.
Another algorithm is proposed that selects the consistent set (formed using Schmidt projections) with the highest Shannon information. This is applied to a simple model and shown to produce physically sensible histories. The theory is capable of unconditional probabilistic prediction for closed quantum systems, and is strong enough to be falsifiable. Ideas on applying the theory to more complicated examples are discussed.
A demonstration is given that the simplest model of quantum mechanics formulated on a plane non-commutative geometry endowed with a Galilean symmetry group in which the position and linear momentum-variable commutators are first order in the dynamical variables (and thus constitute a true Lie algebra) is incompatible with the hypothesis of spacial isotropy.
In a previous paper (arXiv:1008.3661v1[quant-ph] 21 Aug 2010), we have given a purely logical proof of the Conway and Kochen Free Will theorem in QM: the freedom of the observer implies the freedom of the observed particle. Here we show that the hypothesis of the observer's freedom is not necessary: the assumption of the (informal) consistency (non contradiction) of QM implies its non-determinism relative to physical events (the freedom of observed particles).
Besides their use for efficient computation, quantum computers are a base for studying quantum systems that create valid physical theories using mathematics and physics. An essential part of the validation process for quantum mechanics is the development of a coherent theory of mathematics and quantum mechanics together. Such a theory should combine mathematical logical concepts with quantum mechanics. That this might be possible is shown here by defining truth, validity, consistency, and completeness for a quantum mechanical version of a simple classical expression enumeration machine describ…
The extended Wigner's friend problem deals with two Observers each measuring a sealed laboratory in which a friend is making a quantum measurement. We investigate this problem by relying on the basic rules of quantum mechanics as exposed by Feynman in the well-known "Feynman Lectures on Physics". Although recent discussions have suggested that the extended Wigner's friend problem cannot consistently be described by quantum theory, we show here that a straightforward application of these standard rules results in a non-ambiguous and consistent account of the measurement outcomes for all agents …
The consistent histories formalism is discussed using path-projected states. These are used to analyse various criteria for approximate consistency. The connection between the Dowker-Halliwell criterion and sphere packing problems is shown and used to prove several new bounds on the violation of probability sum rules. The quantum Zeno effect is also analysed within the consistent histories formalism and used to demonstrate some of the difficulties involved in discussing approximate consistency. The complications associated with null histories and infinite sets are briefly discussed.
If the block universe view is correct, the future and the past have similar status and one would expect physical theories to involve final as well as initial boundary conditions. A plausible consistency condition between the initial and final boundary conditions in non-relativistic quantum mechanics leads to the idea that the properties of macroscopic quantum systems, relevantly measuring instruments, are uniquely determined by the boundary conditions. An important element in reaching that conclusion is that preparations and measurements belong in a special class because they involve many subs…
We analyze three important experimental domains (SQUIDs, molecular interferometry, and Bose-Einstein condensation) as well as quantum-biophysical studies of the neuronal apparatus to argue that (i) the universal validity of unitary dynamics and the superposition principle has been confirmed far into the mesoscopic and macroscopic realm in all experiments conducted thus far; (ii) all observed "restrictions" can be correctly and completely accounted for by taking into account environmental decoherence effects; (iii) no positive experimental evidence exists for physical state-vector collapse; (iv…
Closed quantum systems obey the Schroedinger equation whereas nonequilibrium behavior of many of systems is routinely described in terms of classical, Markovian stochastic processes. Evidently, there are fundamental differences between those two types of behavior. We discuss the conditions under which the unitary dynamics may be mapped onto pertinent classical stochastic processes. This is first principally addressed based on the notions of "consistency" and "Markovianity." Numerical data are presented that show that the above conditions are to good approximation fulfilled for Heisenberg-type …
Schlosshauer has advanced a theory of minimal no-collapse quantum mechanics for a decoherence-based subjective resolution of the measurement problem. The basic premise being that superposition states are maintained beyond the retinal apparatus, becoming correlated with neuronal arrays located in the occipital lobe of the brain. Decoherence for these neurons in a superposition of firing and resting, leads to an irreversible dynamical decoupling of the two branches, resulting in the emergence of a single subjective perception. Based upon prior retinal research, it is shown that his theory is unt…
Recent extended formulations of the Wigner's friend thought experiment throw the measurement problem of quantum mechanics into sharper relief. Here I respond to an invitation by Renner to provide a consistent and concrete set of rules for quantum mechanics which can avoid the apparent paradox formulated by Frauchiger and Renner [Nat. Comm. 9, 3711 (2018)]. I propose a slight addition to standard textbook quantum mechanics, in the form of two rules, which avoids the paradox. The first specifies when a given quantum dynamics can be interpreted as a measurement. Potentially any dynamics can, but …
Recent developments in elementary quantum mechanics have seen a number of extraordinary claims regarding quantum behaviour, and even questioning internal consistency of the theory. These are, we argue, different disguises of what Feynman described as quantum theory's "only mystery".
In a recent article [Phys. Rev. A 57, 1572 (1998)] Caticha has concluded that ``nonlinear variants of quantum mechanics are inconsistent.'' In this note we identify what it is that nonlinear quantum theories have been shown to be inconsistent with.
A carefully written paper by A. Caticha [Phys. Rev. A57, 1572 (1998)] applies consistency arguments to derive the quantum mechanical rules for compounding probability amplitudes in much the same way as earlier work by the present author [J. Math. Phys. 29, 398 (1988) and Int. J. Theor. Phys. 27, 543 (1998)]. These works are examined together to find the minimal assumptions needed to obtain the most general results.
After a review on recent results on quaternic quantum mechanics ($\mathbb{H}$QM), we present further consistency tests that reinforce its compatibility with the usual complex quantum mechanics ($\mathbb{C}$QM). The novel results comprises the Virial theorem, the quantum quaternic Lorentz force, the existence of a quaternic magnetic monopole and the redefinition of the expectation value.
In recent reports, suggestions have been put forward to the effect that parity and time-reversal (PT) symmetry in quantum mechanics is incompatible with causality. It is shown here, in contrast, that PT-symmetric quantum mechanics is fully consistent with standard quantum mechanics. This follows from the surprising fact that the much-discussed metric operator on Hilbert space is not physically observable. In particular, for closed quantum systems in finite dimensions there is no statistical test that one can perform on the outcomes of measurements to determine whether the Hamiltonian is Hermit…
The Consistent Histories (CH) formalism aims at a quantum mechanical framework which could be applied even to the universe as a whole. CH stresses the importance of histories for quantum mechanics, as opposed to measurements, and maintains that a satisfactory formulation of quantum mechanics allows one to assign probabilities to alternative histories of a quantum system. It further proposes that each realm, that is, each set of histories to which probabilities can be assigned, provides a valid quantum-mechanical account, but that different realms can be mutually incompatible. Finally, some of …
The standard presentation of the principles of quantum mechanics is critically reviewed both from the experimental/operational point and with respect to the request of mathematical consistency and logical economy. A simpler and more physically motivated formulation is discussed. The existence of non commuting observables, which characterizes quantum mechanics with respect to classical mechanics, is related to operationally testable complementarity relations, rather than to uncertainty relations. The drawbacks of Dirac argument for canonical quantization are avoided by a more geometrical approa…
Classical Bayes' rule lays the foundation for the classical causal relation between cause (input) and effect (output). This causal relation is believed to be universally true for all physical processes. Here we show, on the contrary, that it is inadequate to establish correct correspondence between cause and effect in quantum mechanics. In fact, there are instances within the framework of quantum mechanics where the use of classical Bayes' rule leads to inconsistencies in quantum measurement inferences, such as Frauchiger-Renner's paradox. Similar inconsistency also appears in the context of H…
Decompositions of the world into systems have typically been regarded as arbitrary extra-theoretical assumptions in discussions of quantum measurement. One can instead regard decompositions as part of the theory, and ask what conditions they must satisfy for self-consistency. It is shown that self-consistent decompositions that specify a measurement context (i.e. von Neumann decompositions) must represent apparatus as containing internal decohering environments and as having known pointer components and ready states. Under these circumstances a von Neumann decomposition can function as a compo…
Quantum mechanics forces us to reconsider certain aspects of classical causality. The 'central mystery' of quantum mechanics manifests in different ways, depending on the interpretation. This mystery can be formulated as the possibility of selecting part of the initial conditions of the Universe 'retroactively'. This talk aims to show that there is a global, timeless, 'bird's view' of the spacetime, which makes this mystery more reasonable. We will review some well-known quantum effects from the perspective of global consistency.
We discuss the concept of proper and improper density matrixes and we argue that this issue is of fundamental importance for the understanding of the quantum-mechanical CTC model proposed by Deutsch. We arrive at the conclusion that under a realistic interpretation, the distinction between proper and improper density operators is not a relativistically covariant notion and this fact leads to the conclusion that the D-CTC model is physically inconsistent.
The function exp(iwt) describes an oscillating motion. Energy of the oscillator is proportional to the square of w. exp(iwt) is the solution of a differential equation. We have replaced this differential equation by the corresponding finite-time difference equation with d as the smallest span of time. We have, then, symmetrized the equation so that it remains invariant under the change d going to -d. This symmetric equation has solutions in pairs. The angular speed w is modified to w' or w". w' contains a part with an integer. w" contains a part with a half-integer. This corresponds to quantum…
We show that nonlocality of quantum mechanics cannot lead to superluminal transmission of information, even if most general local operations are allowed, as long as they are linear and trace preserving. In particular, any quantum mechanical approximate cloning transformation does not allow signalling. On the other hand, the no-signalling constraint on its own is not sufficient to prevent a transformation from surpassing the known cloning bounds. We illustrate these concepts on the basis of some examples.
The problem of measurement in quantum mechanics is reanalyzed within a general, strictly probabilistic framework (without reduction postulate). Based on a novel comprehensive definition of measurement the natural emergence of objective events is demonstrated and their formal representation within quantum mechanics is obtained. In order to be objective an event is required to be observable or readable in at least two independent, mutually non-interfering ways with necessarily agreeing results. Consistency in spite of unrestricted validity of reversibility of the evolution or the superposition p…
The representation of a Schrodinger equations as a classic Hamiltonian system allows to construct a unified perturbation theory both in classic, and in a quantum mechanics grounded on the theory of canonical transformations, and also to receive asymptotic estimations of affinity of the precisian approximated solutions of Schrodinger equations
The closed causal chains arising from backward time travel do not lead to paradoxes if they are self consistent. This raises the question as to how physics ensures that only self-consistent loops are possible. We show that, for one particular case at least, the condition of self consistency is ensured by the interference of quantum mechanical amplitudes associated with the loop. If this can be applied to all loops then we have a mechanism by which inconsistent loops eliminate themselves.
In this paper we study in details a system of two weakly coupled harmonic oscillators. This system may be viewed as a simple model for the interaction between a photon and a photodetector. We obtain exact solutions for the general case. We then compute approximate solutions for the case of a single photon (where one oscillator is initially in its first excited state) reaching a photodetector in its ground state (the other oscillator). The approximate solutions represent the state of both the photon and the photodetector after the interaction, which is not an eigenstate of the individual hamilt…
As illustrated by Schrodingers cat, there are often several macroscopically different versions of reality simultaneously existing in the wave function. On the face of it, this would seem to imply that an observer could perceive a superposition of versions and thereby put quantum mechanics at odds with our perceptions. However one can show, without invoking decoherence or the environment, that the linearity of quantum mechanics implies we will perceive only a single, classical version of reality. Linearity also implies our perceptions will have a particle-like consistency.
Quantum trajectories, originating from the de Broglie-Bohm (dBB) hydrodynamic description of quantum mechanics, are used to construct time-correlation functions in an initial value representation (IVR). The formulation is fully quantum mechanical and the resulting equations for the correlation functions are similar in form to their semi-classical analogs but do not require the computation of the stability or monodromy matrix or conjugate points. We then move to a {\em local} trajectory description by evolving the cumulants of the wave function along each individual path. The resulting equation…
Quantum mechanics has enjoyed a multitude of successes since its formulation in the early twentieth century. At the same time, it has generated puzzles that persist to this day. These puzzles have inspired a large literature in physics and philosophy. There are two distinct approaches. One is to assume that quantum theory is exact, but that the interpretive postulates need modification, to eliminate apparent contradictions. The second approach is to assume that quantum mechanics is not exact, but instead is a very accurate approximation to a deeper level theory, which reconciles the determinis…
We present a simple algebraic procedure that can be applied to solve a range of quantum eigenvalue problems without the need to know the solution of the Schrödinger equation. The procedure, presented with a pedagogical purpose, is based on algebraic consistency conditions that must be satisfied by the eigenvalues of a couple of operators proper of the problem. These operators can be either bilinear forms of the raising and lowering operators appropriate to the problem, or else auxiliary operators constructed by resorting to the factorization of the Hamiltonian. Different examples of important …
The Born rule is at the foundation of quantum mechanics and transforms our classical way of understanding probabilities by predicting that interference occurs between pairs of independent paths of a single object. One consequence of the Born rule is that three way (or three paths) quantum interference does not exist. In order to test the consistency of the Born rule, we examine detection probabilities in three path intereference using an ensemble of spin-1/2 quantum registers in liquid state nuclear magnetic resonance (LSNMR). As a measure of the consistency, we evaluate the ratio of three way…
Recent experiments (gedanken or otherwise) and theorems in quantum mechanics (QM), such as new iterations on Wigner's friend and delayed choice, have led many people to claim that QM is not compatible with determinate and intersubjectively consistent experience (what some call absoluteness of observed events), such as experiences of experimental outcomes. In the case of delayed choice the tension is between our experience of free will and a possible "superdeterminism" at work in QM. At the very least, some have suggested that the only way to save absoluteness of observed events, is to give up …
The possibility of consistency between the basic quantum principles of quantum mechanics and wave function collapse is reexamined. A specific interpretation of environment is proposed for this aim and applied to decoherence. When the organization of a measuring apparatus is taken into account, this approach leads also to an interpretation of wave function collapse, which would result in principle from the same interactions with environment as decoherence. This proposal is shown consistent with the non-separable character of quantum mechanics.
The basic premise of Quantum Mechanics, embodied in the doctrine of wave-particle duality, assigns both, a particle and a wave structure to the physical entities. The classical laws describing the motion of a particle and the evolution of a wave are assumed to be correct. Gauge Mechanics treats the discrete entities as particles, and their motion is described by an extension of the corresponding classical laws. Quantum mechanical interpretations of various observations and their implications, including some issues that are usually ignored, are presented and compared here with the gauge mechani…
Relativistic causality, namely, the impossibility of signaling at superluminal speeds, restricts the kinds of correlations which can occur between different parts of a composite physical system. Here we establish the basic restrictions which relativistic causality imposes on the joint probabilities involved in an experiment of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen-Bohm type. Quantum mechanics, on the other hand, places further restrictions beyond those required by general considerations like causality and consistency. We illustrate this fact by considering the sum of correlations involved in the CHSH in…
We propose an approximate solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation using the method of stationary states combined with a variational matrix method for finding the energies and eigenstates. We illustrate the effectiveness of the method by applying it to the time development of the wave-function in the quantum-mechanical version of the inflationary slow-roll transition.
The representation of numbers by product states in quantum mechanics can be extended to the representation of words and word sequences in languages by product states. This can be used to study quantum systems that generate text that has meaning. A simple example of such a system, based on an example described by Smullyan, is studied here. Based on a path interpretation for some word states, definitions of truth, validity, consistency and completeness are given and their properties studied. It is also shown that the relation between the meaning, if any, of word states and the algorithmic comple…
This paper has a dual purpose. One aim is to study the evolution of coherent states in ordinary quantum mechanics. This is done by means of a Hamiltonian approach to the evolution of the parameters that define the state. The stability of the solutions is studied. The second aim is to apply these techniques to the study of the stability of minisuperspace solutions in field theory. For a $λφ^4$ theory we show, both by means of perturbation theory and rigorously by means of theorems of the K.A.M. type, that the homogeneous minisuperspace sector is indeed stable for positive values of the paramete…
Stapp claims that, when spatial degrees of freedom are taken into account, Everett quantum mechanics is ambiguous due to a "core basis problem." To examine an aspect of this claim I generalize the ideal measurement model to include translational degrees of freedom for both the measured system and the measuring apparatus. Analysis of this generalized model using the Everett interpretation in the Heisenberg picture shows that it makes unambiguous predictions for the possible results of measurements and their respective probabilities. The presence of translational degrees of freedom for the measu…
A formalism is developed for describing approximate classical behaviour in finite (but possibly large) quantum systems. This is done in terms of a structure common to classical and quantum mechanics, viz. a Poisson space with a transition probability. Both the limit where Planck's constant goes to zero in a fixed finite system and the limit where the size of the system goes to infinity are incorporated. In either case, classical behaviour is seen only for certain observables and in a restricted class of states.
Einstein's field equations of gravitation are known to admit closed timelike curve (CTC) solutions. Deutsch approached the problem from the quantum information point of view and proposed a self-consistency condition. In this work, the Deutsch equation is formulated as an eigenvalue problem. The disappearance of entanglement between two qubits in an Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) state near a CTC is demonstrated. The method is utilized to analyze the discontinuous evolution of two chronology respecting (CR) qubits near a CTC.
The algebraic consistency of spin and isospin at the level of an unbroken SU(2) gauge theory suggests the existence of an additional angular momentum besides the spin and isospin and also produces a full quaternionic spinor operator. The latter corresponds to a vector boson in space-time, interpreted as a SU(2) gauge field. The existence of quaternionic spinor fields implies in a quaternionic Hilbert space and its necessary mathematical analysis. It is shown how to obtain a unique representation of a quaternion function by a convergent positive power series.
Classical mechanics and standard Copenhagen quantum mechanics respect subspace implications. For example, if a particle is confined in a particular region $R$ of space, then in these theories we can deduce that it is confined in regions containing $R$. However, subspace implications are generally violated by versions of quantum theory that assign probabilities to histories, such as the consistent histories approach. I define here a new criterion, ordered consistency, which refines the criterion of consistency and has the property that inferences made by ordered consistent sets do not violate s…
Quantum theory is formulated as the uniquely consistent way to manipulate probability amplitudes. The crucial ingredient is a consistency constraint: if the amplitude of a quantum process can be computed in two different ways, the two answers must agree. The constraint is expressed in the form of functional equations the solution of which leads to the usual sum and product rules for amplitudes. An immediate consequence is that the Schrodinger equation must be linear: non-linear variants of quantum mechanics violate the requirement of consistency. PACS: 03.65.Bz, 03.65.Ca.
A pedagogical introduction is given to the quantum mechanics of closed systems, most generally the universe as a whole. Quantum mechanics aims at predicting the probabilities of alternative coarse-grained time histories of a closed system. Not every set of alternative coarse-grained histories that can be described may be consistently assigned probabilities because of quantum mechanical interference between individual histories of the set. In the quantum mechanics of closed systems, containing both observer and observed, probabilities are assigned to those sets of alternative histories for whic…
Random quantum circuits are proficient information scramblers and efficient generators of randomness, rapidly approximating moments of the unitary group. We study the convergence of local random quantum circuits to unitary $k$-designs. Employing a statistical mechanical mapping, we give an exact expression of the distance to forming an approximate design as a lattice partition function. In the statistical mechanics model, the approach to randomness has a simple interpretation in terms of domain walls extending through the circuit. We analytically compute the second moment, showing that random …
The aim of this article is to discuss the preferred basis problem in relational quantum mechanics (RQM). The issue is at the heart of quantum mechanics and we first show that the mathematical formalism of RQM is immune to recent critics concerning consistency. Moreover, we also analyse the notion of interaction in RQM and provide a For All Practical Purposes (FAPP) reading of RQM comparing it with Bohmian mechanics.
A non-associative quantum mechanics is proposed in which the product of three and more operators can be non-associative one. The multiplication rules of the octonions define the multiplication rules of the corresponding operators with quantum corrections. The self-consistency of the operator algebra is proved for the product of three operators. Some properties of the non-associative quantum mechanics are considered. It is proposed that some generalization of the non-associative algebra of quantum operators can be helpful for understanding of the algebra of field operators with a strong interac…
The generalized Weyl transform of index $α$ is used to implement the time-slice definition of the phase space path integral yielding the Feynman kernel in the case of noncommutative quantum mechanics. As expected, this representation for the Feynman kernel is not unique but labeled by the real parameter $α$. We succeed in proving that the $α$-dependent contributions disappear at the limit where the time slice goes to zero. This proof of consistency turns out to be intricate because the Hamiltonian involves products of noncommuting operators originating from the non-commutativity. The antisymme…
Lorentz covariance imposed upon a quantum logic of local propositions for which all observers can consistently maintain state collapse descriptions, implies a condition on space-like separated propositions that if imposed on generally commuting ones would lead to the covering law, and hence to a hilbert-space model for the logic. Such a generalization can be argued if state preparation can be conditioned to space-like separated events using EPR-type correlations. This suggests that the covering law is related to space-time structure, though a final understanding of it, through a self-consisten…
Quantum theory is formulated as the only consistent way to manipulate probability amplitudes. The crucial ingredient is a consistency constraint: if there are two different ways to compute an amplitude the two answers must agree. This constraint is expressed in the form of functional equations the solution of which leads to the usual sum and product rules for amplitudes. A consequence is that the Schrodinger equation must be linear: non-linear variants of quantum mechanics are inconsistent. The physical interpretation of the theory is given in terms of a single natural rule. This rule, which d…
A thought experiment is considered on observation of instantaneous collapse of an extended wave packet. According to relativity of simultaneity, such a collapse being instantaneous in some reference frame must be a lasting process in other frames. But according to quantum mechanics, collapse is instantaneous in any frame. Mathematical structure of quantum mechanics eliminates any contradictions between these two apparently conflicting statements. Here the invariance of quantum-mechanical collapse is shown to follow directly from the Born postulate, without any use of mathematical properties of…
