Physical principles and the set of quantum correlations

• Grant number: 22/05455-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: July 01, 2022
• End date: August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - General Physics
• Principal Investigator: Bárbara Lopes Amaral
• Grantee: Amanda Maria Fonseca
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/06454-7 - Non-locality and contextuality as resources for quantum information, quantum computation and the certification of quantum devices, AP.JP
• Associated scholarship(s): 22/13208-8 - Physical principles in different formulations of quantum contextuality, BE.EP.MS

Abstract

Since the development of the mathematical formulation of quantum theory, about one hundred years ago, we have made a remarkable progress both on the theoretical aspects and experimental control of quantum systems. This certainly has a great impact on the development of current technology and information processing, as is now evident from the construction of quantum devices operating on the quantum advantage regime. From the practical point of view we may say that we have a good relationship withquantum theory. But we can fall into serious contradictions when we try to understand the meaning of the mathematical objects, specially if we try to apply the reasoning of classical physics we are used to due to our experience with macroscopic objects. These contradictions puzzled the famous trio Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen, and where discussed in their pioneer paper "Can Quantum-Mechanical description ofPhysical Reality Be Considered Complete?". They started one of the greatest debates in foundations of physics and philosophy of science in general, that is still fruitful nowadays. This situation led many people to adopt the way of thinking known as Copenhageninterpretation, which views quantum mechanics as providing knowledge of phenomena, but not as pointing to really existing objects. According to this line of thought, the weirdness of quantum theory reflects fundamental limits on what can be known about nature and we just have to accept that the inner workings of atomic and subatomic processes are necessarily and essentially inaccessible to direct observation. Quantum theory should not be understood but seen just as a tool to get practical results. As famously phrased by David Mermin, physicist should "shut up and calculate". Not everyone is happy with this interpretation, including Mermin himself. Physicsis not just about getting practical results, it is also about understanding how nature behaves. For over a century we have tried to understand the abstract formulation of quantum theory from more compelling physical arguments, the same way we understand special relativity. Special relativity can be derived from two simple physical principles: the speed of light is constant and physics is the same for reference frames in uniform relative motion. We cannot do the same for quantum theory and this is one of the most seductive scientific challenges in recent times: deriving quantum theory from simple physical principles. The aim of this project is to study different plausible physical principles valid for quantum systems, their properties and how they constrain the structure of the set of quantum correlations. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

FONSECA, Amanda Maria. Physical principles and the set of quantum correlations. 2024. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Física (IF/SBI) São Paulo.