Consistency in the description of quantum measurement: Quantum theory can consistently describe the use of itself

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2107.02193v1
• Date: Mon, 5 Jul 2021 18:00:15 GMT
• Title: Consistency in the description of quantum measurement: Quantum theory can consistently describe the use of itself
• Authors: Joseph M. Renes
• Abstract summary: 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. The second requires that a joint context be used to determine whether several different dynamical evolutions can all be interpreted as measurement.
• Score: 8.122270502556372
• License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
• Abstract: 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 doing so depends on the context of other performed operations. The second requires that a joint context be used to determine whether several different dynamical evolutions can all be interpreted as measurement. The paradox is then avoided because not every participant in the Frauchiger-Renner thought experiment regards the stated dynamical descriptions of the experiment as measurements.

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