A Topos for Algebraic Quantum Theory

The aim of this paper is to relate algebraic quantum mechanics to topos theory, so as to construct new foundations for quantum logic and quantum spaces. Motivated by Bohr’s idea that the empirical content of quantum physics is accessible only through classical physics, we show how a noncommutative C*-algebra of observables A induces a topos \({\mathcal{T}(A)}\) in which the amalgamation of all of its commutative subalgebras comprises a single commutative C*-algebra \({\underline{A}}\) . According to the constructive Gelfand duality theorem of Banaschewski and Mulvey, the latter has an internal spectrum \({\underline{\Sigma}(\underline{A})}\) in \({\mathcal{T}(A)}\) , which in our approach plays the role of the quantum phase space of the system. Thus we associate a locale (which is the topos-theoretical notion of a space and which intrinsically carries the intuitionistic logical structure of a Heyting algebra) to a C*-algebra (which is the noncommutative notion of a space). In this setting, states on A become probability measures (more precisely, valuations) on \({\underline{\Sigma}}\) , and self-adjoint elements of A define continuous functions (more precisely, locale maps) from \({\underline{\Sigma}}\) to Scott’s interval domain. Noting that open subsets of \({\underline{\Sigma}(\underline{A})}\) correspond to propositions about the system, the pairing map that assigns a (generalized) truth value to a state and a proposition assumes an extremely simple categorical form. Formulated in this way, the quantum theory defined by A is essentially turned into a classical theory, internal to the topos \({\mathcal{T}(A)}\).These results were inspired by the topos-theoretic approach to quantum physics proposed by Butterfield and Isham, as recently generalized by Döring and Isham.     

Self-adjoint Operators as Functions I

Observables of a quantum system, described by self-adjoint operators in a von Neumann algebra or affiliated with it in the unbounded case, form a conditionally complete lattice when equipped with the spectral order. Using this order-theoretic structure, we develop a new perspective on quantum observables. In this first paper (of two), we show that self-adjoint operators affiliated with a von Neumann algebra ${\mathcal{N}}$ can equivalently be described as certain real-valued functions on the projection lattice ${\mathcal{P}(\mathcal{N}})$ of the algebra, which we call q-observable functions. Bounded self-adjoint operators correspond to q-observable functions with compact image on non-zero projections. These functions, originally defined in a similar form by de Groote (Observables II: quantum observables, 2005), are most naturally seen as adjoints (in the categorical sense) of spectral families. We show how they relate to the daseinisation mapping from the topos approach to quantum theory (Döring and Isham , New Structures for Physics, Springer, Heidelberg, 2011). Moreover, the q-observable functions form a conditionally complete lattice which is shown to be order-isomorphic to the lattice of self-adjoint operators with respect to the spectral order. In a subsequent paper (Döring and Dewitt, 2012, preprint), we will give an interpretation of q-observable functions in terms of quantum probability theory, and using results from the topos approach to quantum theory, we will provide a joint sample space for all quantum observables.     

Characterizations of Categories of Commutative C*-Subalgebras

We aim to characterize the category of injective *-homomorphisms between commutative C*-subalgebras of a given C*-algebra A. We reduce this problem to finding a weakly terminal commutative subalgebra of A, and solve the latter for various C*-algebras, including all commutative ones and all type I von Neumann algebras. This addresses a natural generalization of the Mackey–Piron programme: which lattices are those of closed subspaces of Hilbert space? We also discuss the way this categorified generalization differs from the original question.     

The Space of Measurement Outcomes as a Spectral Invariant for Non-Commutative Algebras

The recently developed technique of Bohrification associates to a (unital) C*-algebra A

Intuitionistic Quantum Logic of an <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-level System

A decade ago, Isham and Butterfield proposed a topos-theoretic approach to quantum mechanics, which meanwhile has been extended by Döring and Isham so as to provide a new mathematical foundation for all of physics. Last year, three of the present authors redeveloped and refined these ideas by combining the C*-algebraic approach to quantum theory with the so-called internal language of topos theory (Heunen et al. in arXiv:0709.4364). The goal of the present paper is to illustrate our abstract setup through the concrete example of the C*-algebra M _n (?) of complex n×n matrices. This leads to an explicit expression for the pointfree quantum phase space Σ _n and the associated logical structure and Gelfand transform of an n-level system. We also determine the pertinent non-probabilisitic state-proposition pairing (or valuation) and give a very natural topos-theoretic reformulation of the Kochen–Specker Theorem.In our approach, the nondistributive lattice ?(M _n (?)) of projections in M _n (?) (which forms the basis of the traditional quantum logic of Birkhoff and von Neumann) is replaced by a specific distributive lattice \(\mathcal{O}(\Sigma_{n})\) of functions from the poset \(\mathcal{C}(M_{n}(\mathbb{C}))\) of all unital commutative C*-subalgebras C of M _n (?) to ?(M _n (?)). The lattice \(\mathcal{O}(\Sigma_{n})\) is essentially the (pointfree) topology of the quantum phase space Σ _n , and as such defines a Heyting algebra. Each element of \(\mathcal{O}(\Sigma_{n})\) corresponds to a “Bohrified” proposition, in the sense that to each classical context \(C\in\mathcal{C}(M_{n}(\mathbb{C}))\) it associates a yes-no question (i.e. an element of the Boolean lattice ?(C) of projections in C), rather than being a single projection as in standard quantum logic. Distributivity is recovered at the expense of the law of the excluded middle (Tertium Non Datur), whose demise is in our opinion to be welcomed, not just in intuitionistic logic in the spirit of Brouwer, but also in quantum logic in the spirit of von Neumann.     

A duality theorem for the automorphism group of a covariant system

In this paper we examine the covariant representation theory of a covariant system (A, G) introduced by Doplicher, Kastler and Robinson. (A is aC*-algebra andG is a locally compact group of automorphisms ofA.) We define the concept of left tensor product of two covariant representations. Loosely stated, our duality theorem says thatG is canonically isomorphic to the set of bounded operator valued maps on the set of covariant representations of the covariant system (A, G) which preserve direct sums, unitary equivalence and left tensor products. We further show that the enveloping von Neumann algebraA(A, G) of the covariant system (A, G) admits a (not necessarily injective) comultiplicationd such that (A(A, G),d) is a Hopf von Neumann algebra. The intrinsic group of this Hopf von Neumann algebra is canonically isomorphic and (strong operator topology) homeomorphic toG.     

Quantum energy inequalities and local covariance II: categorical formulation

We formulate quantum energy inequalities (QEIs) in the framework of locally covariant quantum field theory developed by Brunetti, Fredenhagen and Verch, which is based on notions taken from category theory. This leads to a new viewpoint on the QEIs, and also to the identification of a new structural property of locally covariant quantum field theory, which we call local physical equivalence. Covariant formulations of the numerical range and spectrum of locally covariant fields are given and investigated, and a new algebra of fields is identified, in which fields are treated independently of their realisation on particular spacetimes and manifestly covariant versions of the functional calculus may be formulated.     

The enveloping algebra of a covariant system

In an earlier work, Doplicher, Kastler and Robinson have examined a mathematical structure consisting of a pair (A, G), whereA is aC*-algebra andG is a locally compact automorphism group ofA. We call such a structure a covariant system. The enveloping von Neumann algebraA(A, G) of (A, G) is defined as a *-algebra of operator valued functions (called options) on the space of covariant representations of (A, G). The system (A, G) is canonically embedded in, and in fact generates, the von Neumann algebraA(A, G). Further we show there is a natural one-to-one correspondence between the normal *-representations ofA(A, G) and the proper covariant representations of (A, G). The relation ofA(A, G) to the covarainceC*-algebraC*(A, G) is also examined.     

Non-commutative Euclidean and Minkowski structures

A noncommutative *-algebra that generalizes the canonical commutation relations and that is covariant under the quantum groups SO _q (3) or SO _q(1, 3) is introduced. The generating elements of this algebra are hermitean and can be identified with coordinates, momenta and angular momenta. In addition a unitary scaling operator is part of the algebra.     

Spectral resolution in a Rickart comgroup

A comgroup is a compressible group with the general comparability property. A comgroupwith the Rickart projection property is called a Rickart comgroup. We show that each element of a Rickart comgroup has a rational spectral resolution and a nonempty closed and bounded (real) spectrum. The rational spectral resolution and the spectrum are shown to have many of the properties of the spectral resolution and spectrum of a self-adjoint operator on a Hilbert space. Examples of Rickart comgroups include the additive group of self-adjoint elements in a von Neumann algebra and the Mundici group of a Heyting MV algebra.     

Integral representations for Schwinger functionals and the moment problem over nuclear spaces

It is shown that a continuous positive linear functional on a commutative nuclear *-algebra has an integral decomposition into characters if and only if the functional is strongly positive, i.e. positive on all positive polynomials. When applied to the symmetric tensor algebra over a nuclear test function space this gives a necessary and sufficient condition for the Schwinger functions of Euclidean quantum field theory to be the moments of a continuous cylinder measure on the dual space. Another application is to the problem of decomposing a Wightman functional into states having the cluster property.     

Kochen–Specker Theorem for von Neumann Algebras

The Kochen–Specker theorem has been discussed intensely ever since its original proof in 1967. It is one of the central no-go theorems of quantum theory, showing the non-existence of a certain kind of hidden states models. In this paper, we first offer a new, non-combinatorial proof for quantum systems with a type I_n factor as algebra of observables, including I_∞. Afterwards, we give a proof of the Kochen–Specker theorem for an arbitrary von Neumann algebra without summands of types I₁ and I₂, using a known result on two-valued measures on the projection lattice . Some connections with presheaf formulations as proposed by Isham and Butterfield are made.     

Measures on projections and physical states

It is shown that a finitely additive measure on the projections of a von Neumann algebra withoutI ₂ andII ₁ summands is the restriction of a state. A definition of a physical state is proposed, and it is shown that such a physical state on a simpleC*-algebra with unit is a state.     

C*-algebras and Mackey's axioms

A non-commutative version of probability theory is outlined, based on the concept of a*-algebra of operators (sequentially weakly closedC*-algebra of operators). Using the theory of*-algebras, we relate theC*-algebra approach to quantum mechanics as developed byKadison with the probabilistic approach to quantum mechanics as axiomatized byMackey. The*-algebra approach to quantum mechanics includes the case of classical statistical mechanics; this important case is excluded by theW*-algebra approach. By considering the*-algebra, rather than the von Neumann algebra, generated by the givenC*-algebraA in its reduced atomic representation, we show that a difficulty encountered byGuenin concerning the domain of a state can be resolved.     

A C*-Algebra for Quantized Principal U(1)-Connections on Globally Hyperbolic Lorentzian Manifolds

The aim of this work is to complete our program on the quantization of connections on arbitrary principal U(1)-bundles over globally hyperbolic Lorentzian manifolds. In particular, we show that one can assign via a covariant functor to any such bundle an algebra of observables which separates gauge equivalence classes of connections. The C*-algebra we construct generalizes the usual CCR-algebras, since, contrary to the standard field-theoretic models, it is based on a presymplectic Abelian group instead of a symplectic vector space. We prove a no-go theorem according to which neither this functor, nor any of its quotients, satisfies the strict axioms of general local covariance. As a byproduct, we prove that a morphism violates the locality axiom if and only if a certain induced morphism of cohomology groups is non-injective. We show then that, fixing any principal U(1)-bundle, there exists a suitable category of subbundles for which a quotient of our functor yields a quantum field theory in the sense of Haag and Kastler. We shall provide a physical interpretation of this feature and we obtain some new insights concerning electric charges in locally covariant quantum field theory.     

Representations obeying the spectrum condition

We show that every properly infinite, injective von Neumann algebra acting on a separable Hilbert space is isomorphic to the weak closure of some translation covariant representation, obeying the spectrum condition for the generators of the translation group, of theC*-algebra of quasilocal observables of a free massless spinor field. We construct explicitly such representations in the case ofII andIII factors, 0<<1.     

Limits of Gaudin Algebras,Quantization of Bending Flows,Jucys–Murphy Elements and Gelfand–Tsetlin Bases

Gaudin algebras form a family of maximal commutative subalgebras in the tensor product of n copies of the universal enveloping algebra \({U(\mathfrak {g})}\) of a semisimple Lie algebra \({\mathfrak {g}}\). This family is parameterized by collections of pairwise distinct complex numbers z ₁, . . . , z _n . We obtain some new commutative subalgebras in \({U(\mathfrak {g})^{\otimes n}}\) as limit cases of Gaudin subalgebras. These commutative subalgebras turn to be related to the Hamiltonians of bending flows and to the Gelfand–Tsetlin bases. We use this to prove the simplicity of spectrum in the Gaudin model for some new cases.     

Covariant realizations of kappa-deformed space

We study a Lie algebra type κ-deformed space with an undeformed rotation algebra and commutative vector-like Dirac derivatives in a covariant way. The space deformation depends on an arbitrary vector. Infinitely many covariant realizations in terms of commuting coordinates of undeformed space and their derivatives are constructed. The corresponding coproducts and star products are found and related in a new way. All covariant realizations are physically equivalent. Specially, a few simple realizations are found and discussed. The scalar fields, invariants and the notion of invariant integration is discussed in the natural realization.     

Quantized Abelian Principal Connections on Lorentzian Manifolds

We construct a covariant functor from a category of Abelian principal bundles over globally hyperbolic spacetimes to a category of *-algebras that describes quantized principal connections. We work within an appropriate differential geometric setting by using the bundle of connections and we study the full gauge group, namely the group of vertical principal bundle automorphisms. Properties of our functor are investigated in detail and, similar to earlier works, it is found that due to topological obstructions the locality property of locally covariant quantum field theory is violated. Furthermore, we prove that, for Abelian structure groups containing a nontrivial compact factor, the gauge invariant Borchers-Uhlmann algebra of the vector dual of the bundle of connections is not separating on gauge equivalence classes of principal connections. We introduce a topological generalization of the concept of locally covariant quantum fields. As examples, we construct for the category of principal U(1)-bundles two natural transformations from singular homology functors to the quantum field theory functor that can be interpreted as the Chern class and the electric charge. In this case we also prove that the electric charges can be consistently set to zero, which yields another quantum field theory functor that satisfies all axioms of locally covariant quantum field theory.