Hidden Measurements,Hidden Variables and the Volume Representation of Transition Probabilities

We construct, for any finite dimension n, a new hidden measurement model for quantum mechanics based on representing quantum transition probabilities by the volume of regions in projective Hilbert space. For n=2 our model is equivalent to the Aerts sphere model and serves as a generalization of it for dimensions n . 3 We also show how to construct a hidden variables scheme based on hidden measurements and we discuss how joint distributions arise in our hidden variables scheme and their relationship with the results of Fine [J. Math. Phys. 23 1306 (1982)].     

Bell Locality and the Nonlocal Character of Nature

It is demonstrated that hidden variables of a certain type follow logically from a certain local causality requirement (“Bell Locality”) and the empirically well-supported predictions of quantum theory for the standard EPR-Bell set up. The demonstrated hidden variables are precisely those needed for the derivation of the Bell Inequalities. We thus refute the widespread view that empirical violations of Bell Inequalities leave open a choice of whether to reject (i) locality or (ii) hidden variables. Both principles are indeed assumed in the derivation of the inequalities, but since, as we demonstrate here, (ii) actually follows from (i), there is no choice but to blame the violation of Bell's Inequality on (i). Our main conclusion is thus no Bell Local theory can be consistent with what is known from experiment about the correlations exhibited by separated particles. Aside from our conclusion being based on a different sense of locality this conclusion resembles one that has been advocated recently by H.P. Stapp. We therefore also carefully contrast the argument presented here to that proposed by Stapp.     

MGP Versus Kochen–Specker Condition in Hidden Variables Theories

Hidden variables theories} for quantum mechanics are usually assumed to satisfy the KS condition. The Bell–Kochen–Specker theorem then shows that these theories are necessarily contextual. But the KS condition can be criticized from an operational viewpoint, which suggests that a weaker condition (MGP) should be adopted in place of it. This leads one to introduce a class of hidden parameters theories in which contextuality can, in principle, be avoided, since the proofs of the Bell–Kochen–Specker theorem break down. A simple model recently provided by the author for an objective interpretation of quantum mechanics can be looked at as a noncontextual hidden parameters theory, which shows that such theories actually exist.     

Single photon and nonlocality

In a paper by Home and Agarwal [1], it is claimed that quantum nonlocality can be revealed in a simple interferometry experiment using only single particles. A critical analysis of the concept of hidden variable used by the authors of [1] shows that the reasoning is not correct.      

Indistinguishable particles and hidden variables

An axiomatics for the indistinguishability of elementary particles in terms of hidden variables is presented in a manner which depart from the standard approaches usually given to hidden variables. Quantum distribution functions are also discussed and some possible related lines of work are suggested.     

Comments on Shimony’s “An Analysis of Stapp’s ‘A Bell-Type Theorem without Hidden Variables’ ”

The hidden-variable theorems of Bell and followers depend upon an assumption, namely the hidden-variable assumption, that conflicts with the precepts of quantum philosophy. Hence from an orthodox quantum perspective those theorems entail no faster-than-light transfer of information. They merely reinforce the ban on hidden variables. The need for some sort of faster-than-light information transfer can be shown by using counterfactuals instead of hidden variables. Shimony’s criticism of that argument fails to take into account the distinction between no-faster-than-light connection in one direction and that same condition in both directions. The argument can be cleanly formulated within the framework of a fixed past, open future interpretation of quantum theory, which neatly accommodates the critical assumptions that the experimenters are free to choose which experiments they will perform. The assumptions are compatible with the Tomonaga–Schwinger formulation of quantum field theory, and hence with orthodox quantum precepts, and with the relativistic requirement that no prediction pertaining to an outcome in one region can depend upon a free choice made in a region spacelike-separated from the first.     

On the Consequences of Retaining the General Validity of Locality in Physical Theory

The empirical validity of the locality (LOC) principle of relativity is used to argue in favour of a local hidden variable theory (HVT) for individual quantum processes. It is shown that such a HVT may reproduce the statistical predictions of quantum mechanics (QM), provided the reproducibility of initial hidden variable states is limited. This means that in a HVT limits should be set to the validity of the notion of counterfactual definiteness (CFD). This is supported by the empirical evidence that past, present, and future are basically distinct. Our argumentation is contrasted with a recent one by Stapp resulting in the opposite conclusion, i.e. nonlocality or the existence of faster-than-light influences. We argue that Stapps argumentation still depends in an implicit, but crucial, way on both the notions of hidden variables and of CFD. In addition, some implications of our results for the debate between Bohr and Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen are discussed.     

Hidden Variables and Bell Inequalities on Quantum Logics

In the quantum logic approach, Bell inequalities in the sense of Pitowski are related with quasi hidden variables in the sense of Deliyannis. Some properties of hidden variables on effect algebras are discussed.     

Bell's theorem does not eliminate fully causal hidden variables

Bell's theorem applies only to a hybrid universe in which hidden variables determine only part of the outcomes of experiments. When applied to a fully causal hidden variable theory, in which detector settings as well as their interaction with particles during observation are determined by the variables, Bell's analysis must be modified. The result is that a fully causal hidden variable model can be produced for which a properly chosen spread of hidden variables gives precisely the same prediction as standard quantum theory.     

A search for hidden variables in the domain of high energy physics

The idea of hidden variable theories, which contests the notion of quantum mechanics being the fundamental principle of nature, is well known and seems to need no introduction. In 1966 such a theory (of a non-local character) was proposed by D. Bohm and J. Bub. We present a scheme in which measured decay processes may constitute an adequate substitute to the original test proposed in 1966 and which until now proved to be realizable only for massless particles. Finally, we consider a specific proposal concerning Tau decays. A preliminary overview of several experimental data sets is presented.     

States on Operator Algebras and Axiomatic System of Quantum Theory

Recent development brings new results on the interplay of states on operator algebras and axiomatics of quantum mechanics. Neither hidden space in the sense of Kochen and Specker nor approximate hidden variables exist on von Neumann algebras. Tracial properties of states are connected with dispersions. The axioms on composite systems simplify to state extension properties.     

Logical Pre- and Post-Selection Paradoxes,Measurement-Disturbance and Contextuality

Many seemingly paradoxical effects are known in the predictions for outcomes of measurements made on pre- and post-selected quantum systems. A class of such effects, which we call ‘`logical pre- and post-selection paradoxes,’' bear a striking resemblance to proofs of the Bell-Kochen-Specker theorem, which suggests that they demonstrate the contextuality of quantum mechanics. Despite the apparent similarity, we show that such effects can occur in noncontextual hidden variable theories, provided measurements are allowed to disturb the values of the hidden variables. PACS: 03.65.Ta.     

How to Avoid Peres' “incompatible results of quantum measurements”

It is demonstrated how, in terms of hidden variables, the claimed incompatibility of results of quantum measurements, obtained in a recent work by A. Peres, may be avoided. The new property which restores the compatibility of quantum measurement results is called the nonreproducibility of individual subquantum states.Research director N.F.W.O. (Belgium).     

On Set-Theoretical Solutions to Quantum Yang-Baxter Equation

The problem on the set-theoretical solutions to the quantum Yang-Baxter equation was presented byDrinfel'd as a main unsolved problem in quantum group theory. The set-theoretical solutions are a natural extensionof the usual (linear) solutions. In this paper, we not only give a further study on some known set-theoretical solutions(the Venkov's solutions), but also find a new kind of set-theoretical solutions which have a geometric interpretation.Moreover, the new solutions lead to the metahomomorphisms in group theory.     

Non-local and local ghost fields in quantum correlations

Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen quantum correlations are discussed from the perspective of a ghost field introduced by Einstein. The concepts of ghost field, hidden variables, local reality and the Bell inequality are reviewed. In the framework of the correlated singlet state of two spin-½ particles, it is shown that quantum mechanics can be cast in a way that has the form of either a non-positive and local ghost field or a positive and non-local ghost field.     

Local Hidden Variables Underpinning of Entanglement and Teleportation

Entangled states whose Wigner functions are non-negative may be viewed as being accounted for by local hidden variables (LHV). Recently, there were studies of Bell’s inequality violation (BIQV) for such states in conjunction with the well known theorem of Bell that precludes BIQV for theories that have LHV underpinning. We extend these studies to teleportation which is also based on entanglement. We investigate if, to what extent, and under what conditions may teleportation be accounted for via LHV theory. Our study allows us to expose the role of various quantum requirements. These are, e.g., the uncertainty relation among non-commuting operators, and the no-cloning theorem which forces the complete elimination of the teleported state at its initial port.     

Non-Markovian dynamics and quantum jumps

Experiments with trapped particles have demonstrated the existence of quantum jumps and the discrete nature of single-system dynamics in quantum mechanics. The concept of jumps is also a powerful tool for simulating and understanding open quantum systems. In non-Markovian systems jump probabilities can become negative due to memory effects between the system and its environment. We discuss a recently presented method that can handle both positive and negative probabilities and provides powerful insight into the dynamics of open systems with memory. The key element is a reversed quantum jump to a system state that was, in principle, already destroyed by an earlier normal jump. Instead of using artificial extensions of the system or exploiting hidden variables we take advantage of the information stored in the quantum ensemble itself.     

Hidden variables and locality

Bell's problem of the possibility of a local hidden variable theory of quantum phenomena is considered in the context of the general problem of representing the statistical states of a quantum mechanical system by measures on a classical probability space, and Bell's result is presented as a generalization of Maczynski's theorem for maximal magnitudes. The proof of this generalization is shown to depend on the impossibility of recovering the quantum statistics for sequential probabilities in a classical representation without introducing a randomization process for the hidden variables. Hidden variable theories that exclude such a randomization process are termed strict, and it is shown that the class of local hidden variable theories is included in the class of strict theories. A counterargument by Freedman and Wigner is evaluated with reference to Clauser's extension of a hidden variable model proposed by Bell.