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/10.1088/1367-2630/12/1/013019Additional details
Identifiers
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