462 research outputs found
Generalized Satisfiability Problems via Operator Assignments
Schaefer introduced a framework for generalized satisfiability problems on
the Boolean domain and characterized the computational complexity of such
problems. We investigate an algebraization of Schaefer's framework in which the
Fourier transform is used to represent constraints by multilinear polynomials
in a unique way. The polynomial representation of constraints gives rise to a
relaxation of the notion of satisfiability in which the values to variables are
linear operators on some Hilbert space. For the case of constraints given by a
system of linear equations over the two-element field, this relaxation has
received considerable attention in the foundations of quantum mechanics, where
such constructions as the Mermin-Peres magic square show that there are systems
that have no solutions in the Boolean domain, but have solutions via operator
assignments on some finite-dimensional Hilbert space. We obtain a complete
characterization of the classes of Boolean relations for which there is a gap
between satisfiability in the Boolean domain and the relaxation of
satisfiability via operator assignments. To establish our main result, we adapt
the notion of primitive-positive definability (pp-definability) to our setting,
a notion that has been used extensively in the study of constraint satisfaction
problems. Here, we show that pp-definability gives rise to gadget reductions
that preserve satisfiability gaps. We also present several additional
applications of this method. In particular and perhaps surprisingly, we show
that the relaxed notion of pp-definability in which the quantified variables
are allowed to range over operator assignments gives no additional expressive
power in defining Boolean relations
Uncertainty relations for the realisation of macroscopic quantum superpositions and EPR paradoxes
We present a unified approach, based on the use of quantum uncertainty
relations, for arriving at criteria for the demonstration of the EPR paradox
and macroscopic superpositions. We suggest to view each criterion as a means to
demonstrate an EPR-type paradox, where there is an inconsistency between the
assumptions of a form of realism, either macroscopic realism (MR) or local
realism (LR), and the completeness of quantum mechanics.Comment: 9 pages, 2 figures, to appear Journ Mod Optics work presented at PQE
2007 conferenc
Halfvortices in flat nanomagnets
We discuss a new type of topological defect in XY systems where the O(2)
symmetry is broken in the presence of a boundary. Of particular interest is the
appearance of such defects in nanomagnets with a planar geometry. They are
manifested as kinks of magnetization along the edge and can be viewed as
halfvortices with winding numbers \pm 1/2. We argue that halfvortices play a
role equally important to that of ordinary vortices in the statics and dynamics
of flat nanomagnets. Domain walls found in experiments and numerical
simulations are composite objects containing two or more of these elementary
defects. We also discuss a closely related system: the two-dimensional smectic
liquid crystal films with planar boundary condition.Comment: 7 pages, 8 figures, To appear as a chapter in Les Houches summer
school on Quantum Magnetis
On the solution of trivalent decision problems by quantum state identification
The trivalent functions of a trit can be grouped into equipartitions of three
elements. We discuss the separation of the corresponding functional classes by
quantum state identifications
Realization of GHZ States and the GHZ Test via Cavity QED
In this article we discuss the realization of atomic GHZ states involving
three-level atoms and we show explicitly how to use this state to perform the
GHZ test in which it is possible to decide between local realism theories and
quantum mechanics. The experimental realizations proposed makes use of the
interaction of Rydberg atoms with a cavity prepared in a coherent state.Comment: 16 pages and 3 figures. submitted to J. Mod. Op
Drawing quantum contextuality with 'dessins d'enfants'
The Frontiers Collection: "It from Bit orBit from It", ed. by A. Aguirre, B. Foster, Z. Meralli (Springer, 2014), pp 37-50International audienceIn the standard formulation of quantum mechanics, there exists an inherent feedback of the measurement setting on the elementary object under scrutiny. Thus one cannot assume that an 'element of reality' prexists to the measurement and, it is even more intriguing that unperformed/counterfactual observables enter the game. This is called quantum contextuality. Simple finite projective geometries are a good way to picture the commutation relations of quantum observables entering the context, at least for systems with two or three parties. In the essay, it is further discovered a mathematical mechanism for 'drawing' the contexts. The so-called 'dessins d'enfants' of the celebrated mathematician Alexandre Grothendieck feature group, graph, topological, geometric and algebraic properties of the quantum contexts that would otherwise have been 'hidden' in the apparent randomness of measurement outcomes
Generalised Compositional Theories and Diagrammatic Reasoning
This chapter provides an introduction to the use of diagrammatic language, or
perhaps more accurately, diagrammatic calculus, in quantum information and
quantum foundations. We illustrate the use of diagrammatic calculus in one
particular case, namely the study of complementarity and non-locality, two
fundamental concepts of quantum theory whose relationship we explore in later
part of this chapter.
The diagrammatic calculus that we are concerned with here is not merely an
illustrative tool, but it has both (i) a conceptual physical backbone, which
allows it to act as a foundation for diverse physical theories, and (ii) a
genuine mathematical underpinning, permitting one to relate it to standard
mathematical structures.Comment: To appear as a Springer book chapter chapter, edited by G.
Chirabella, R. Spekken
All-Versus-Nothing Proof of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Steering
Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering is a form of quantum nonlocality
intermediate between entanglement and Bell nonlocality. Although Schr\"odinger
already mooted the idea in 1935, steering still defies a complete
understanding. In analogy to "all-versus-nothing" proofs of Bell nonlocality,
here we present a proof of steering without inequalities rendering the
detection of correlations leading to a violation of steering inequalities
unnecessary. We show that, given any two-qubit entangled state, the existence
of certain projective measurement by Alice so that Bob's normalized conditional
states can be regarded as two different pure states provides a criterion for
Alice-to-Bob steerability. A steering inequality equivalent to the
all-versus-nothing proof is also obtained. Our result clearly demonstrates that
there exist many quantum states which do not violate any previously known
steering inequality but are indeed steerable. Our method offers advantages over
the existing methods for experimentally testing steerability, and sheds new
light on the asymmetric steering problem.Comment: 7 pages, 2 figures. Accepted in Sci. Re
Topological Schr\"odinger cats: Non-local quantum superpositions of topological defects
Topological defects (such as monopoles, vortex lines, or domain walls) mark
locations where disparate choices of a broken symmetry vacuum elsewhere in the
system lead to irreconcilable differences. They are energetically costly (the
energy density in their core reaches that of the prior symmetric vacuum) but
topologically stable (the whole manifold would have to be rearranged to get rid
of the defect). We show how, in a paradigmatic model of a quantum phase
transition, a topological defect can be put in a non-local superposition, so
that - in a region large compared to the size of its core - the order parameter
of the system is "undecided" by being in a quantum superposition of conflicting
choices of the broken symmetry. We demonstrate how to exhibit such a
"Schr\"odinger kink" by devising a version of a double-slit experiment suitable
for topological defects. Coherence detectable in such experiments will be
suppressed as a consequence of interaction with the environment. We analyze
environment-induced decoherence and discuss its role in symmetry breaking.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figure
Measurements on the reality of the wavefunction
Quantum mechanics is an outstandingly successful description of nature,
underpinning fields from biology through chemistry to physics. At its heart is
the quantum wavefunction, the central tool for describing quantum systems. Yet
it is still unclear what the wavefunction actually is: does it merely represent
our limited knowledge of a system, or is it an element of reality? Recent no-go
theorems argued that if there was any underlying reality to start with, the
wavefunction must be real. However, that conclusion relied on debatable
assumptions, without which a partial knowledge interpretation can be maintained
to some extent. A different approach is to impose bounds on the degree to which
knowledge interpretations can explain quantum phenomena, such as why we cannot
perfectly distinguish non-orthogonal quantum states. Here we experimentally
test this approach with single photons. We find that no knowledge
interpretation can fully explain the indistinguishability of non-orthogonal
quantum states in three and four dimensions. Assuming that some underlying
reality exists, our results strengthen the view that the entire wavefunction
should be real. The only alternative is to adopt more unorthodox concepts such
as backwards-in-time causation, or to completely abandon any notion of
objective reality.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figure
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