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How uncertainty enables non-classical dynamics

Authors :
Dahlsten, Oscar C. O.
Garner, Andrew J. P.
Vedral, Vlatko
Source :
Nat. Commun. 5:4592 (2014)
Publication Year :
2012

Abstract

The uncertainty principle limits quantum states such that when one observable takes predictable values there must be some other mutually unbiased observables which take uniformly random values. We show that this restrictive condition plays a positive role as the enabler of non-classical dynamics in an interferometer. First we note that instantaneous action at a distance between different paths of an interferometer should not be possible. We show that for general probabilistic theories this heavily curtails the non-classical dynamics. We prove that there is a trade-off with the uncertainty principle, that allows theories to evade this restriction. On one extreme, non-classical theories with maximal certainty have their non-classical dynamics absolutely restricted to only the identity operation. On the other extreme, quantum theory minimises certainty in return for maximal non-classical dynamics.<br />Comment: 4 pages + 4 page technical supplement, 2 figures

Subjects

Subjects :
Quantum Physics

Details

Database :
arXiv
Journal :
Nat. Commun. 5:4592 (2014)
Publication Type :
Report
Accession number :
edsarx.1206.5702
Document Type :
Working Paper
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms5592