Published January 2010 | Version v1
Journal article

Logical independence and quantum randomness

  • 1. Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Boltzmanngasse 3, A-1090 Vienna (Austria)
  • 2. Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Boltzmanngasse 5, A-1090 Vienna (Austria)

Description

We propose a link between logical independence and quantum physics. We demonstrate that quantum systems in the eigenstates of Pauli group operators are capable of encoding mathematical axioms and show that Pauli group quantum measurements are capable of revealing whether or not a given proposition is logically dependent on the axiomatic system. Whenever a mathematical proposition is logically independent of the axioms encoded in the measured state, the measurement associated with the proposition gives random outcomes. This allows for an experimental test of logical independence. Conversely, it also allows for an explanation of the probabilities of random outcomes observed in Pauli group measurements from logical independence without invoking quantum theory. The axiomatic systems we study can be completed and are therefore not subject to Goedel's incompleteness theorem.

Availability note (English)

Available from http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/12/1/013019

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
New Journal of Physics
Journal Volume
12
Journal Issue
1
Journal Page Range
[10 p.]
ISSN
1367-2630

INIS

Country of Publication
United Kingdom
Country of Input or Organization
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
INIS RN
41061095
Subject category
S71: CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS;
Descriptors DEI
EIGENSTATES; PROBABILITY; QUANTUM MECHANICS; RANDOMNESS
Descriptors DEC
MECHANICS