Density Matrix Realism

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2405.01025v2
• Date: Sat, 02 Nov 2024 03:50:19 GMT
• Title: Density Matrix Realism
• Authors: Eddy Keming Chen,
• Abstract summary: Realism about quantum theory naturally leads to realism about the quantum state of the universe. I characterize and elaborate on Density Matrix Realism, the thesis that the universal quantum state is objective but can be impure.
• Score: 0.0
• License:
• Abstract: Realism about quantum theory naturally leads to realism about the quantum state of the universe. It leaves open whether it is a pure state represented by a wave function, or an impure (mixed) one represented by a density matrix. I characterize and elaborate on Density Matrix Realism, the thesis that the universal quantum state is objective but can be impure. To clarify the thesis, I compare it with Wave Function Realism, explain the conditions under which they are empirically equivalent, consider two generalizations of Density Matrix Realism, and answer some frequently asked questions. I end by highlighting an implication for scientific realism.

Related papers

• Absolute dimensionality of quantum ensembles [41.94295877935867]
  The dimension of a quantum state is traditionally seen as the number of superposed distinguishable states in a given basis. We propose an absolute, i.e.basis-independent, notion of dimensionality for ensembles of quantum states.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-09-03T09:54:15Z)
• On "agential realism" and ontology of quantum mechanics [0.0]
  K. Barad proposes "agential realism" as a unified approach to natural and social phenomena. In our view, agential realism is a kind of ontological correlationism, not a realism. We propose a contextual quantum realism that rejects substantive dualisms.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-07-21T10:26:14Z)
• Potentiality realism: A realistic and indeterministic physics based on propensities [0.0]
  We discuss our specific interpretation of propensities, that require them to depart from being probabilities at the formal level. This view helps reconcile classical and quantum physics by showing that most of the conceptual problems that are customarily taken to be unique issues of the latter are actually in common to all indeterministic physical theories.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-05-03T21:01:17Z)
• The Wentaculus: Density Matrix Realism Meets the Arrow of Time [0.0]
  Wentaculus is a new approach to time's arrow in a quantum universe. On the Wentaculus, the quantum state of the universe is sufficiently simple to be a law, and the arrow of time can be traced back to an exact boundary condition.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-11-08T03:02:12Z)
• Constructible reality condition of pseudo entropy via pseudo-Hermiticity [17.29263775089729]
  We find the general form of the transition matrix for which the eigenvalues of the reduced transition matrix possess real or complex pairs of eigenvalues. We show the reality condition for pseudo entropy is related to the Tomita-Takesaki modular theory for quantum field theory.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-09-15T14:08:53Z)
• Towards Noncommutative Quantum Reality [0.0]
  The implications of the physical theory of quantum mechanics on the question of realism is much a subject of sustaining interest. We give here a picture of quantum mechanics as the basic theory for nonrelativistic' particle dynamics. The key is to fully embrace the noncommutativity of the theory and see it as a notion about the reality of physical quantities.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-02-19T10:27:23Z)
• Quantum realism: axiomatization and quantification [77.34726150561087]
  We build an axiomatization for quantum realism -- a notion of realism compatible with quantum theory. We explicitly construct some classes of entropic quantifiers that are shown to satisfy almost all of the proposed axioms.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-10-10T18:08:42Z)
• The Real Meaning of Quantum Mechanics [0.0]
  We suggest a contextual realist interpretation of relational quantum mechanics. The principal point is a correct understanding of the concept of reality. Within our interpretation, consciousness of the observer does not play any metaphysical role.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-07-20T19:44:50Z)
• Gentle Measurement as a Principle of Quantum Theory [9.137554315375919]
  We propose the gentle measurement principle (GMP) as one of the principles at the foundation of quantum mechanics. We show, within the framework of general probabilistic theories, that GMP imposes strong restrictions on the law of physics.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-03-28T11:59:49Z)
• Resource theory of imaginarity: Quantification and state conversion [48.7576911714538]
  Resource theory of imaginarity has been introduced, allowing for a systematic study of complex numbers in quantum mechanics and quantum information theory. We investigate imaginarity quantification, focusing on the geometric imaginarity and the robustness of imaginarity, and apply these tools to the state conversion problem in imaginarity theory. Our study reveals the significance of complex numbers in quantum physics, and proves that imaginarity is a resource in optical experiments.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-03-02T15:30:27Z)
• Operational Resource Theory of Imaginarity [48.7576911714538]
  We show that quantum states are easier to create and manipulate if they only have real elements. As an application, we show that imaginarity plays a crucial role for state discrimination.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2020-07-29T14:03:38Z)

This list is automatically generated from the titles and abstracts of the papers in this site.

This site does not guarantee the quality of this site (including all information) and is not responsible for any consequences.