Quantum mechanics from classical statistics
Creators
- 1. Institut fuer Theoretische Physik, Universitaet Heidelberg, Philosophenweg 16, D-69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
Description
Quantum mechanics can emerge from classical statistics. A typical quantum system describes an isolated subsystem of a classical statistical ensemble with infinitely many classical states. The state of this subsystem can be characterized by only a few probabilistic observables. Their expectation values define a density matrix if they obey a 'purity constraint'. Then all the usual laws of quantum mechanics follow, including Heisenberg's uncertainty relation, entanglement and a violation of Bell's inequalities. No concepts beyond classical statistics are needed for quantum physics - the differences are only apparent and result from the particularities of those classical statistical systems which admit a quantum mechanical description. Born's rule for quantum mechanical probabilities follows from the probability concept for a classical statistical ensemble. In particular, we show how the non-commuting properties of quantum operators are associated to the use of conditional probabilities within the classical system, and how a unitary time evolution reflects the isolation of the subsystem. As an illustration, we discuss a classical statistical implementation of a quantum computer.
Availability note (English)
Available from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aop.2009.12.006Additional details
Identifiers
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.aop.2009.12.006;
- arXiv
- arXiv:0906.4919v2;
- PII
- S0003-4916(09)00246-2;
Publishing Information
- Journal Title
- Annals of Physics (New York)
- Journal Volume
- 325
- Journal Issue
- 4
- Journal Page Range
- p. 852-898
- ISSN
- 0003-4916
- CODEN
- APNYA6
INIS
- Country of Publication
- United States
- Country of Input or Organization
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
- INIS RN
- 41072313
- Subject category
- S71: CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS;
- Descriptors DEI
- BELL THEOREM; DENSITY MATRIX; PROBABILISTIC ESTIMATION; PROBABILITY; QUANTUM COMPUTERS; QUANTUM ENTANGLEMENT; QUANTUM MECHANICS; QUANTUM OPERATORS; STATISTICS
- Descriptors DEC
- CALCULATION METHODS; COMPUTERS; MATHEMATICAL OPERATORS; MATHEMATICS; MATRICES; MECHANICS
Optional Information
- Copyright
- Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.