The Structure of the Algebra of Observables in the Intermediate Situation of the ∈-Model

We look at the action of the spin-1/2 operatorsof quantum mechanics on the state of an entity in aphysical way, and use this as a guideline to define theoperators of the intermediate situations of a general spin-1/2 measurement model called the-model. Then we test the possible linearity ofthe operators so constructed.     

Evolution Equation for a Joint Tomographic Probability Distribution of Spin-1 Particles

The nine-component positive vector optical tomographic probability portrait of quantum state of spin-1 particles containing full spatial and spin information about the state without redundancy is constructed. Also the suggested approach is expanded to symplectic tomography representation and to representations with quasidistributions like Wigner function, Husimi Q?function, and Glauber-Sudarshan P?function. The evolution equations for constructed vector optical and symplectic tomograms and vector quasidistributions for arbitrary Hamiltonian are found. The evolution equations are also obtained in special case of the quantum system of charged spin-1 particle in arbitrary electro-magnetic field, which are analogs of non-relativistic Proca equation in appropriate representations. The generalization of proposed approach to the cases of arbitrary spin is discussed. The possibility of formulation of quantum mechanics of the systems with spins in terms of joint probability distributions without the use of wave functions or density matrices is explicitly demonstrated.     

Nonlocality and the Kochen-Specker paradox

A new proof of the impossibility of reconciling realism and locality in quantum mechanics is given. Unlike proofs based on Bell's inequality, the present work makes minimal and transparent use of probability theory and proceeds by demonstrating a Kochen-Specker type of paradox based on the value assignments to the spin components of two spatially separated spin-1 systems in the singlet state of their total spin. An essential part of the argument is to distinguish carefully two commonly confused types of contextuality; we call them ontological and environmental contextuality. These in turn are associated with two quite distinct senses of nonlocality. We indicate the relevance of our treatment to other related discussions in recent literature on the philosophy of quantum mechanics.     

Quantum parallelism as a tool for ensemble spin dynamics calculations

Efficient simulations of quantum evolutions of spin-1/2 systems are relevant for ensemble quantum computation as well as in typical NMR experiments. We propose an efficient method to calculate the dynamics of an observable provided that the initial excitation is "local." It resorts to a single entangled pure initial state built as a superposition, with random phases, of the pure elements that compose the mixture. This ensures self-averaging of any observable, drastically reducing the calculation time. The procedure is tested for two representative systems: a spin star (cluster with random long range interactions) and a spin ladder.     

God Plays Coins or Superposition Principle for Classical Probabilities in Quantum Suprematism Representation of Qubit States

We construct the quantum density matrix of a spin-1/2 state for three given probability distributions describing positions of three classical coins and associate its matrix elements with the Triada of Malevich’s squares. We present the superposition principle of spin-1/2 states in the form of a nonlinear addition rule for these classical coin probabilities. We illustrate the obtained formulas by the statement “God does not play dice – God plays coins.”     

Higher-order tensors and tests of quantum mechanics

We illustrate a generalization of Bell's inequality which is not limited to spin-1/2 or photon systems and does not depend on model-dependent assumptions. We then construct a specific class of examples, in terms of the decaying state and the correlated observables to be measured on the decay products, for which this inequality is violated by quantum mechanics. Finally we discuss the basic and practical problems involved in the measurement of these correlations.     

Elucidation of the probabilistic structure of quantum mechanics and definition of a compatible joint probability

A new integrated view on the probabilistic organization of quantum mechanics is constructed. It is then proved that for superposition state vectors the theoretical quantum mechanical distribution for the momentum observable is devoid of operational definition, and hence cannot be the source of conditions of compatibility to be imposed upon a researched joint probability concept. A compatible joint probability is defined.     

Quantum state transfer and time-dependent disorder in quantum chains

One of the most basic tasks required for Quantum Information Technology is the ability to connect different components of a Quantum Computer by quantum wires that obey the superposition principle. Since superpositions can be very sensitive to noise this turns out to be already quite difficult. Recently, it was suggested to use chains of permanently coupled spin-1/2 particles (quantum chains) for this purpose. They have the advantage that no external control along the wire is required during the transport of information, which makes it possible to isolate the wire from sources of noise. We first give an introduction to basic quantum state transfer and review existing advanced schemes by other authors. We then show a new result that demonstrates the stability of the scheme [1] against disorder that is approximately constant during one application of the channel, but time-dependent with respect to multiple applications.     

Elucidation of the probabilistic structure of quantum mechanics and definition of a compatible joint probability

A new integrated view on the probabilistic organization of quantum mechanics is constructed. It is then proved that for superposition state vectors the theoretical quantum mechanical distribution for the momentum observable is devoid of operational definition, and hence cannot be the source of conditions of compatibility to be imposed upon a researched joint probability concept. A compatible joint probability concept is outlined.Publisher's note: The full paper will appear inFoundations of Physics, Volume 13, Number 4, April 1983.     

Majorana stellar representation for mixed-spin (s, 1/2) systems

By describing the evolution of a quantum state with the trajectories of the Majorana stars on a Bloch sphere,Majorana’s stellar representation provides an intuitive geometric perspective to comprehend the quantum system with highdimensional Hilbert space.However,the representation of a two-spin coupling system on a Bloch sphere has not been solved satisfactorily yet.Here,a practical method is presented to resolve the problem for the mixed-spin(s,1/2)system and describe the entanglement of the system.The system can be decomposed into two spins:spin-(s+1/2)and spin-(s?1/2)at the coupling bases,which can be regarded as independent spins.Besides,any pure state may be written as a superposition of two orthonormal states with one spin-(s+1/2)state and the other spin-(s?1/2)state.Thus,the whole initial state can be regarded as a state of a pseudo spin-1/2.In this way,the mixed spin decomposes into three spins.Therefore,the state can be represented by(2s+1)+(2s?1)+1=4s+1 sets of stars on a Bloch sphere.Finally,some examples are given to show symmetric patterns on the Bloch sphere and unveil the properties of the high-spin system by analyzing the trajectories of the Majorana stars on the Bloch sphere.     

On the relation between Schrödinger and von Neumann equations

The relation between the density matrix obeying the von Neumann equation and the wave function obeying the Schrödinger equation is discussed in connection with the superposition principle of quantum states. The definition of the ray-addition law is given, and its relation to the addition law of vectors in the Hilbert space of states and the role of a constant phase factor of the wave function is elucidated. The superposition law of density matrices, Wigner functions, and tomographic probabilities describing quantum states in the probability representation of quantum mechanics is studied. Examples of spin-1/2 and Schrödinger-cat states of the harmonic oscillator are discussed. The connection of the addition law with the entanglement problem is considered.     

Nonlinear quantum mechanics,the superposition principle,and the quantum measurement problem

There are four reasons why our present knowledge and understanding of quantum mechanics can be regarded as incomplete. (1) The principle of linear superposition has not been experimentally tested for position eigenstates of objects having more than about a thousand atoms. (2) There is no universally agreed upon explanation for the process of quantum measurement. (3) There is no universally agreed upon explanation for the observed fact that macroscopic objects are not found in superposition of position eigenstates. (4) Most importantly, the concept of time is classical and hence external to quantum mechanics: there should exist an equivalent reformulation of the theory which does not refer to an external classical time. In this paper we argue that such a reformulation is the limiting case of a nonlinear quantum theory, with the nonlinearity becoming important at the Planck mass scale. Such a nonlinearity can provide insights into the aforesaid problems. We use a physically motivated model for a nonlinear Schr?dinger equation to show that nonlinearity can help in understanding quantum measurement. We also show that while the principle of linear superposition holds to a very high accuracy for atomic systems, the lifetime of a quantum superposition becomes progressively smaller, as one goes from microscopic to macroscopic objects. This can explain the observed absence of position superpositions in macroscopic objects (lifetime is too small). It also suggests that ongoing laboratory experiments may be able to detect the finite superposition lifetime for mesoscopic objects in the near future.     

On the Orthocomplementation of State–Property–Systems of Contextual Systems

We adopt an operational approach to quantum mechanics in which a physical system is defined by the mathematical structure of its set of states and properties. We present a model in which the maximal change of state of the system due to interaction with the measurement context is controlled by a parameter which corresponds with the number N of possible outcomes in an experiment. In the case N=2 the system reduces to a model for the spin measurements on a quantum spin-1/2 particle. In the limit N→∞ the system is classical, i.e. the experiments are deterministic and its set of properties is a Boolean lattice. For intermediate situations the change of state due to measurement is neither ‘maximal’ (i.e. quantum) nor ‘zero’ (i.e. classical). We show that two of the axioms used in Piron’s representation theorem for quantum mechanics are violated, namely the covering law and weak modularity. Next, we discuss a modified version of the model for which it is even impossible to define an orthocomplementation on the set of properties. Another interesting feature for the intermediate situations of this model is that the probability of a state transition in general not only depends on the two states involved, but also on the measurement context which induces the state transition.     

Feynman's relativistic chessboard as an ising model

Feynman has described a chessboard model for a one-dimensional relativistic quantum problem which yields the correct kernel for a free spin-1/2 particle moving in one spatial dimension. This chessboard problem can be solved as an Ising model, using the transfer matrix technique of statistical mechanics. The 2×2 transfer matrix represents the infinitesimal time evolution operator for the two eigenstates of the velocity operator.     

Analytic relations between localizable entanglement and string correlations in spin systems

We study the relation between the recently defined localizable entanglement and generalized correlations in quantum spin systems. Differently from the current belief, the localizable entanglement is always given by the average of a generalized string. Using symmetry arguments we show that in most spin-1/2 and spin-1 systems the localizable entanglement reduces to the spin-spin or string correlations, respectively. We prove that a general class of spin-1 systems, which includes the Heisenberg model, can be used as a perfect quantum channel. These conclusions are obtained in analytic form and confirm some results found previously on numerical grounds.     

2D multipartite valence bond states in quantum anti-ferromagnets

A quantum anti-ferromagnetic spin-1 model is characterised on a 2D lattice with the following requirements: (i) The Hamiltonian is made out of nearest neighbour interactions. (ii) It is homogeneous, translational and rotational invariant. (iii) The ground state is a real singlet state of SU(2) (non-chiral). (iv) It has a local spin-1 representation. Along the way to characterise the system, connections with classical statistical mechanics and integrable models are explored. Finally, the relevance of the model in the physics of low dimensional anti-ferromagnetic Mott-Hubbard insulators is discussed.     

Bringing quantum mechanics to life: from Schrödinger’s cat to Schrödinger’s microbe

The question whether quantum mechanics is complete and the nature of the transition between quantum mechanics and classical mechanics have intrigued physicists for decades. There have been many experimental breakthroughs in creating larger and larger quantum superposition and entangled states since Erwin Schrödinger proposed his famous thought experiment of putting a cat in a superposition of both alive and dead states in 1935. Remarkably, recent developments in quantum optomechanics and electromechanics may lead to the realisation of quantum superposition of living microbes soon. Recent evidence also suggests that quantum coherence may play an important role in several biological processes. In this review, we first give a brief introduction to basic concepts in quantum mechanics and the Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment. We then review developments in creating quantum superposition and entangled states and the realisation of quantum teleportation. Non-trivial quantum effects in photosynthetic light harvesting and avian magnetoreception are also discussed. At last, we review recent proposals to realise quantum superposition, entanglement and state teleportation of micro-organisms, such as viruses and bacteria.     

Emergence of Classicality in Stern–Gerlach Experiment via Self-Gravity

Emergence of classicality from quantum mechanics, a hotly debated topic, has had no satisfactory resolution so far. Various approaches including decoherence and gravitational interactions have been suggested. In the present work, the Schrödinger–Newton model is used to study the role of semi-classical self-gravity in the evolution of massive spin-1/2 particles in a Stern-Gerlach experiment. For small mass, evolution of the initial wavepacket in a spin superposition shows a splitting in the magnetic field gradient into two trajectories as in the standard Stern–Gerlach experiment. For larger mass, the deviations from the central path are less than in the standard Stern–Gerlach case, while for high enough mass, the wavepacket does not split, and instead follows the classical trajectory for a magnetic moment in inhomogeneous magnetic field. This indicates the emergence of classicality due to self-gravitational interaction when the mass is increased. In contrast, decoherence which is a strong contender for emergence of classicality, leads to a mixed state of two trajectories corresponding to the spin-up and spin-down states, and not the classically expected path. The classically expected path of the particle probably cannot be explained even in the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics. Stern–Gerlach experiments in the macroscopic domain are needed to settle this question.     

Nature's natural numbers: relativistic quantum theory over the ring of complex quaternions

The 2×2 complex matrix formulation of relativity and the two-component spin-1/2 formalism are merged with the complex quaternion algebra to yield a concise, manifestly covariant formalism of relativistic quantum mechanics. Along with reproducing all the old results of quantum theory, this complex quaternion formulation extends naturally the concept of scalar mass by adding to it orientation- and velocity-dependent parts giving a hyper-mass. The hyper-mass spin-1/2 equation, with the scalar part of the mass set equal to zero, gives a subtle variation on the two-component neutrino theory with very unsubtle consequences, such as an invariant mass parameter which could distinguishv _eandv and elimination of the superposition principle.     

Spin-1 pyrochlore antiferromagnets: Theory,model, and materials’ survey

Pyrochlore magnets can be a unique platform to demonstrate numerous important concepts and applications of frustrated magnetic physics in modern condensed matter physics. Most works on pyrochlore magnets deal with the interacting spin-1/2 local moments, while much less works have studied the spin-1 systems. We here review the physics with interacting spin-1 local moments on the pyrochlore lattice to illustrate the potentially interesting physics associated with spin-1 magnets. The generic pyrochlore spin-1 model includes the antiferromagnetic Heisenberg interaction, the Dzyaloshinskii– Moriya interaction and the single-ion spin anisotropy. The global phase diagram of this generic spin model is reviewed, and the relation between different quantum phases in the phase diagram is clarified. The critical properties of the transition from the parent quantum paramagnet to the proximate orders are discussed. The presence of quantum order by disorder in the parts of the ordered phases is analyzed. The elementary excitations with respect to the ground states are further reviewed, and the topological natures of these excitations are carefully addressed. The materials’ relevance of the spin-1 pyrochlore magnets are finally reviewed. This review may provide insights about the interesting spin-1 local moments on frustrated systems.