A Quantum Computational Semantics for Epistemic Logical Operators. Part I: Epistemic Structures

Some critical open problems of epistemic logics can be investigated in the framework of a quantum computational approach. The basic idea is to interpret sentences like “Alice knows that Bob does not understand that π is irrational” as pieces of quantum information (generally represented by density operators of convenient Hilbert spaces). Logical epistemic operators (to understand, to know…) are dealt with as (generally irreversible) quantum operations, which are, in a sense, similar to measurement-procedures. This approach permits us to model some characteristic epistemic processes, that concern both human and artificial intelligence. For instance, the operation of “memorizing and retrieving information” can be formally represented, in this framework, by using a quantum teleportation phenomenon.     

Quantum Discreteness is an Illusion

I review arguments demonstrating how the concept of “particle” numbers arises in the form of equidistant energy eigenvalues of coupled harmonic oscillators representing free fields. Their quantum numbers (numbers of nodes of the wave functions) can be interpreted as occupation numbers for objects with a formal mass (defined by the field equation) and spatial wave number (“momentum”) characterizing classical field modes. A superposition of different oscillator eigenstates, all consisting of n modes having one node, while all others have none, defines a non-degenerate “n-particle wave function”. Other discrete properties and phenomena (such as particle positions and “events”) can be understood by means of the fast but continuous process of decoherence: the irreversible dislocalization of superpositions. Any wave-particle dualism thus becomes obsolete. The observation of individual outcomes of this decoherence process in measurements requires either a subsequent collapse of the wave function or a “branching observer” in accordance with the Schrödinger equation—both possibilities applying clearly after the decoherence process. Any probability interpretation of the wave function in terms of local elements of reality, such as particles or other classical concepts, would open a Pandora’s box of paradoxes, as is illustrated by various misnomers that have become popular in quantum theory.     

A Dynamics for Discrete Quantum Gravity

This paper is based on the causal set approach to discrete quantum gravity. We first describe a classical sequential growth process (CSGP) in which the universe grows one element at a time in discrete steps. At each step the process has the form of a causal set (causet) and the “completed” universe is given by a path through a discretely growing chain of causets. We then quantize the CSGP by forming a Hilbert space H on the set of paths. The quantum dynamics is governed by a sequence of positive operators ρ _n on H that satisfy normalization and consistency conditions. The pair (H,{ρ _n }) is called a quantum sequential growth process (QSGP). We next discuss a concrete realization of a QSGP in terms of a natural quantum action. This gives an amplitude process related to the “sum over histories” approach to quantum mechanics. Finally, we briefly discuss a discrete form of Einstein’s field equation and speculate how this may be employed to compare the present framework with classical general relativity theory.     

Quantum simulation of disordered systems with cold atoms

This paper reviews the physics of quantum disorder in relation with a series of experiments using laser-cooled atoms exposed to “kicks” of a standing wave, realizing a paradigmatic model of quantum chaos, the kicked rotor. This dynamical system can be mapped onto a tight-binding Hamiltonian with pseudo-disorder, formally equivalent to the Anderson model of quantum disorder, with quantum chaos playing the role of disorder. This provides a very good quantum simulator for the Anderson physics.     

Quantum tetrahedra and simplicial spin networks

A new link between tetrahedra and the group SU(2) is pointed out: by associating to each face of a tetrahedron an irreducible unitary SU(2) representation and by imposing that the faces close, the concept of the quantum tetrahedron is seen to emerge. The Hilbert space of the quantum tetrahedron is introduced and it is shown that, due to an uncertainty relation, the “geometry of the tetrahedron” exists only in the sense of “mean geometry”.A kinematical model of quantum gauge theory is also proposed, which shares the advantages of the loop representation approach in handling in a simple way gauge- and diff-invariances at a quantum level, but is completely combinatorial. The concept of quantum tetrahedron finds a natural application in this model, giving a possible interpretation of SU(2) spin networks in terms of geometrical objects.     

Dequantization Via Quantum Channels

For a unital completely positive map \({\Phi}\) (“quantum channel”) governing the time propagation of a quantum system, the Stinespring representation gives an enlarged system evolving unitarily. We argue that the Stinespring representations of each power \({\Phi^m}\) of the single map together encode the structure of the original quantum channel and provide an interaction-dependent model for the bath. The same bath model gives a “classical limit” at infinite time \({m\to\infty}\) in the form of a noncommutative “manifold” determined by the channel. In this way, a simplified analysis of the system can be performed by making the large-m approximation. These constructions are based on a noncommutative generalization of Berezin quantization. The latter is shown to involve very fundamental aspects of quantum-information theory, which are thereby put in a completely new light.     

Quantum Kaluza-Klein cosmologies (III)

The “ground state” proposal for the quantum state of the universe is generalized to the case of a noncompact spacelike three-hyperboloid as the configuration space. The most probable evolution of the universe must come from a gravitational instanton by quantum tunneling. We show that under some minisuperspace ansatz, there exists only S₄ × S₇ gravitational instanton in d = 11 supergravity. From the point of view of quantum cosmology this fact must be related to the fact that our observed spacetime is four-dimensional.     

Quantum statistical physics: A new approach

The new scheme employed (throughout the “thermodynamic phase space”), in the statistical thermodynamic investigation of classical systems, is extended to quantum systems. Quantum Nearest Neighbor Probability Density Functions (QNNPDF's) are formulated (in a manner analogous to the classical case) to provide a new quantum approach for describing structure at the microscopic level, as well as characterize the thermodynamic properties of material systems. Since QNNPDF's describe microstructure in “random neighborhoods”, the new scheme may be viewed as an “elastic cavity” approach (with “elastic” walls). A major point of this paper is that it relates the free energy of an assembly of interacting particles to QNNPDF's. Application to the simple case of dilute, weakly degenerate gases has been outlined.     

Dispersive Quantum Systems

A dispersive quantum system is a quantum system which is both isolated and non-time reversal invariant. This article presents precise definitions for those concepts and also a characterization of dispersive quantum systems within the class of completely positive Markovian quantum systems in finite dimension (through a homogeneous linear equation for the non-Hamiltonian part of the system’s Liouvillian). To set the framework, the basic features of quantum mechanics are reviewed focusing on time evolution and also on the theory of completely positive Markovian quantum systems, including Kossakowski–Lindblad’s standard form for Liouvillians. After those general considerations, a simple two-dimensional example is presented and then applied to describe the neutrino oscillation, with the introduction of a new “dispersive parameter.”     

Quantum knitting

We analyze the connections between the mathematical theory of knots and quantum physics by addressing a number of algorithmic questions related to both knots and braid groups. Knots can be distinguished by means of “knot invariants,” among which the Jones polynomial plays a prominent role, since it can be associated with observables in topological quantum field theory. Although the problem of computing the Jones polynomial is intractable in the framework of classical complexity theory, it has been recently recognized that a quantum computer is capable of approximating it in an efficient way. The quantum algorithms discussed here represent a breakthrough for quantum computation, since approximating the Jones polynomial is actually a “universal problem,” namely, the hardest problem that a quantum computer can efficiently handle.     

Index Theory of One Dimensional Quantum Walks and Cellular Automata

If a one-dimensional quantum lattice system is subject to one step of a reversible discrete-time dynamics, it is intuitive that as much “quantum information” as moves into any given block of cells from the left, has to exit that block to the right. For two types of such systems — namely quantum walks and cellular automata — we make this intuition precise by defining an index, a quantity that measures the “net flow of quantum information” through the system. The index supplies a complete characterization of two properties of the discrete dynamics. First, two systems S ₁, S ₂ can be “pieced together”, in the sense that there is a system S which acts like S ₁ in one region and like S ₂ in some other region, if and only if S ₁ and S ₂ have the same index. Second, the index labels connected components of such systems: equality of the index is necessary and sufficient for the existence of a continuous deformation of S ₁ into S ₂. In the case of quantum walks, the index is integer-valued, whereas for cellular automata, it takes values in the group of positive rationals. In both cases, the map \({S \mapsto {\rm ind} S}\) is a group homomorphism if composition of the discrete dynamics is taken as the group law of the quantum systems. Systems with trivial index are precisely those which can be realized by partitioned unitaries, and the prototypes of systems with non-trivial index are shifts.     

Quantum theory and the bayesian inference problems

Many physicists take it for granted that their theories can be either refuted or verified by comparison with experimental data. In order to evaluate such data, however, one must employ statistical estimation and inference methods which, unfortunately, always involve an ad hoc proposition. The nature of the latter depends upon the statistical method adopted; in the Bayesian approach, for example, one must usesome Lebesgue measure in the “set of all possible distributions.” The ad hoc proposition has usually nothing in common with the physical theory in question, thus subjecting its verification (or refutation) to further doubt. This paper points out one notable exception to this rule. It turns out that in the case of the quantum mechanical systems associated with finite-dimensional Hilbert spaces the proposition is completely determined by the premises of the quantum theory itself.     

A probabilistic analysis of the difficulties of unifying quantum mechanics with the theory of relativity

A procedure is given for the transformation of quantum mechanical operator equations into stochastic equations. The stochastic equations reveal a simple correlation between quantum mechanics and classical mechanics: Quantum mechanics operates with “optimal estimations,” classical mechanics is the limit of “complete information.” In this connection, Schrödinger's substitution relationsp _x → -i? ?/?x, etc, reveal themselves as exact mathematical transformation formulas. The stochastic version of quantum mechanical equations provides an explanation for the difficulties in correlating quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity: In physics “time” is always thought of as a numerical parameter; but in the present formalism of physics “time” is described by two formally totally different quantities. One of these two “times” is a numerical parameter and the other a random variable. This last concept of time shows all the properties required by the theory of relativity and is therefore to be considered as the relativistic time.     

Quantum cybernetics and its test in “late choice” experiments

A relativistically invariant wave equation for the propagation of wave fronts S = const (S being the action function) is derived on the basis of a cybernetic model of quantum systems involving “hidden variables”. This equation can be considered both as an expression of Huygens' principle and as a general continuity equation providing a close link between classical and quantum mechanics. Although the theory reproduces ordinary quantum mechanics, there are particular situations providing experimental predictions differing from those existing theories. Such predictions are made for so-called “late choice” experiments, which are modified versions of the familiar “delayed choice” experiments.     

A Possible Origin of Quantum Correlations

We intend to eliminate the known conflict between relativity and quantum mechanics. We believe the “instant” correlation between entangled distant quantum particles can be explained by the fact that in a laboratory reference frame the photon traveling duration is positive and finite while its proper (in vacuum) traveling duration is equal to zero. In the latter case, any two events that are separated (in a laboratory reference frame) by an arbitrary finite distance can be considered as simultaneous ones. So, the photon nonlocal correlation turns out to be a relative property and may be explained like known twins paradox in relativity. In such a situation, any standard causal interaction between the correlated particles is absent in a laboratory reference frame; however, some specific mutual couple appears between them; this couple is strictly oscillating without some oriented energy or/and information transferring. We also motivate the basic hypothesis extension on quantum particles having nonzero masses.     

Photon Flux and Distance from the Source: Consequences for Quantum Communication

The paper explores the fundamental physical principles of quantum mechanics (in fact, quantum field theory) that limit the bit rate for long distances and examines the assumption used in this exploration that losses can be ignored. Propagation of photons in optical fibers is modelled using methods of quantum electrodynamics. We define the “photon duration” as the standard deviation of the photon arrival time; we find its asymptotics for long distances and then obtain the main result of the paper: the linear dependence of photon duration on the distance when losses can be ignored. This effect puts the limit to joint increasing of the photon flux and the distance from the source and it has consequences for quantum communication. Once quantum communication develops into a real technology (including essential decrease of losses in optical fibres), it would be appealing to engineers to increase both the photon flux and the distance. And here our “photon flux/distance effect” has to be taken into account. This effect also may set an additional constraint to the performance of a loophole free test of Bell’s type—to close jointly the detection and locality loopholes.     

Gravitational Collapse in Quantum Einstein Gravity

The existence of spacetime singularities is one of the biggest problems of nowadays physics. According to Penrose, each physical singularity should be covered by a “cosmic censor” which prevents any external observer from perceiving their existence. However, classical models describing the gravitational collapse usually results in strong curvature singularities, which can also remain “naked” for a finite amount of advanced time. This proceedings studies the modifications induced by asymptotically safe gravity on the gravitational collapse of generic Vaidya spacetimes. It will be shown that, for any possible choice of the mass function, quantum gravity makes the internal singularity gravitationally weak, thus allowing a continuous extension of the spacetime beyond the singularity.