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No-go theorem for the composition of quantum systems
Maximilian Schlosshauer1, Arthur Fine2
1Department of Physics, University of Portland, 5000 North Willamette Boulevard, Portland, Oregon 97203, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|March 4, 2014
Summary
This study introduces a no-go theorem for deterministic hidden-variables theories, challenging assumptions about subsystem states in quantum mechanics. It reveals constraints in modeling tensor-product states, impacting quantum information science.
Area of Science:
- Quantum mechanics
- Foundations of physics
- Quantum information theory
Background:
- The Pusey-Barrett-Rudolph theorem established limitations on quantum mechanics interpretations.
- Deterministic hidden-variables theories offer alternative explanations for quantum phenomena.
- Understanding the composition of quantum states is crucial for quantum information processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To derive a no-go theorem for a broad category of deterministic hidden-variables theories.
- To investigate the implications of this theorem for assumptions about quantum state composition.
- To identify constraints in modeling tensor-product states.
Main Methods:
- Extension of the Pusey-Barrett-Rudolph theorem.
- Development of a novel no-go theorem.
- Analysis of subsystem state composition in nonentangled joint systems.
Main Results:
- A no-go theorem is derived for a wide range of deterministic hidden-variables theories.
- The "preparation independence" assumption is questioned for nonentangled states.
- Constraints are identified for modeling tensor-product states.
Conclusions:
- The findings challenge fundamental assumptions in certain hidden-variables theories.
- This work highlights limitations in describing composite quantum systems.
- The results align with constraints found in more complex quantum states, as shown by Bell and Bell-Kochen-Specker theorems.
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