The standard uncertainty relations (UR) in quantum mechanics are typically used for unbounded operators (like the canonical pair). This implies the need for the control of the domain problems. On the other hand, the use of (possibly bounded) functions of basic observables usually leads to more complex and less readily interpretable relations. In addition, UR may turn trivial for certain states if the commutator of observables is not proportional to a positive operator. In this letter we consider a generalization of standard UR resulting from the use of two, instead of one, vector states. The possibility to link these states to each other in various ways adds additional flexibility to UR, which may compensate some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. We discuss applications of the general scheme, leading not only to technical improvements, but also to interesting new insight.
The standard uncertainty relations (UR) in quantum mechanics are typically used for unbounded operators (like the canonical pair). This implies the need for the control of the domain problems. On the other hand, the use of (possibly bounded) functions of basic observables usually leads to more complex and less readily interpretable relations. In addition, UR may turn trivial for certain states if the commutator of observables is not proportional to a positive operator. In this letter we consider a generalization of standard UR resulting from the use of two, instead of one, vector states. The possibility to link these states to each other in various ways adds additional flexibility to UR, which may compensate some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. We discuss applications of the general scheme, leading not only to technical improvements, but also to interesting new insight.
Given two or more non-commuting observables, it is generally not possible to simultaneously assign precise values to each. This quantum mechanical uncertainty principle is widely understood to be encapsulated by some form of uncertainty relation, expressing a trade-off between the standard deviations or other measures of uncertainty of two (or more) observables, resulting from their non-commutativity. Typically, such relations are coarse, and miss important features. It was not until very recently that a broader perspective on quantum uncertainty was envisaged and explored, one that utilises the notion of an uncertainty region. Here we review this new approach, illustrating it with pairs or triples of observables in the case of qubit and qutrit systems. We recall some of the shortcomings of traditional uncertainty relations, and highlight their inability to identify the full uncertainty region. These shortcomings suggest a precautionary note that, we surmise, ought to accompany the presentation of the uncertainty principle in introductory quantum mechanics courses.
Analyzing general uncertainty relations one can find that there can exist such pairs of non-commuting observables A and B and such vectors that the lower bound for the product of standard deviations ΔA and ΔB calculated for these vectors is zero: ΔA·ΔB≥0. Here we discuss examples of such cases and some other inconsistencies which can be found performing a rigorous analysis of the uncertainty relations in some special cases. As an illustration of such cases matrices (2×2) and (3×3) and the position–momentum uncertainty relation for a quantum particle in the box are considered. The status of the uncertainty relation in PT–symmetric quantum theory and the problems associated with it are also studied.
The disputed question of uncertainty relations (UR) on a circle is regarded as a particular element of a more general problem which refers to the quantum description of angular observables Lz and ϕ. The improvised Lz−ϕ UR are found to be affected by unsourmontable shortcomings. Also in contradiction with a largely accepted belief it is proved that the usual procedures of quantum mechanics are accurately applicable for the Lz−ϕ pair. The applicability regards both the known circular motions and the less known non-circular rotational motions. The presented facts contribute as arguments to the following indubitable conclusions: (i) the traditional interpretation of UR must be denied as an incorrect doctrine, (ii) for a natural physical consideration of the the Lz−ϕ pair the results from the usual quantum mechanics are sufficient while the improvised Lz−ϕ UR must be rejected as senseless formulas and (iii) the descriptions of quantum measurements have to be done in a framework which is distinct and additional in respect with the usual quantum mechanics.
Uncertainty relations are commonly praised as one of the central pillars of quantum theory. Usually, they are taught in the first weeks of a beginners lecture, and introduced in the ?rst chapters of a textbook. However, their precise operational meaning and a formulation in a general context, i.e. beyond the example of position and momentum observables, are often left out. The reasoning for this is twofold: On one hand, an exact operational definition of uncertainty, indeterminacy and a corresponding uncertainty principle has been the content of many debates since the early days of quantum mechanics until today. From a modern perspective, we have the consent that there are at least the two notions of preparation and measurement uncertainty: the first notion prohibits the existence of dissipation free states and the latter one the existence of error free joint measurements. On the other hand, we have that, the mathematical tools, which are needed for comprehensive treatment of uncertainty relations in a general context, are still under development and usually go far beyond the mathematical level of an introductory course. In this thesis we will investigate these two notions of uncertainty, their corre- sponding uncertainty relations, such as their interplay. The aim of this thesis is to give answers to the central questions: (1.) Which quantities should be used to formulate uncertainty? (2.) How can we compute uncertainty relations for those? (3.) Are there connections between the two notions of uncertainty? We will do this, whenever possible, in a most general context and with a focus on relevant examples, otherwise. Therefore, we will consider constructions of mea- surement errors and deviation measures that quantify uncertainty, based on, so called, cost functions. Commonly used uncertainty measures like variances, en- tropies, and the Hamming distance are examples for these. We will investigate the structure of the corresponding uncertainty relations and provide several methods that enable us to compute them. The third question is addressed by a theorem that shows, for sharp observables, that measurement uncertainty relations can be lower bounded by preparation uncertainty relations, whenever the same cost function is used.
Commutators and uncertainty relations have sparked much debate and confusion as to their physical meaning. As such, this chapter focuses partly on historical and interpretational aspects. Because it is central to the uncertainty relations, the commutator — including its manifestation in matrix mechanics — is introduced first. It is emphasized that the commutator of two operators is generally another operator. The general form of the uncertainty relations is then introduced. These relations reflect the fact that probability distributions for different observables are generally not independent. Moreover, application of the uncertainty relations generally requires knowledge of the quantum state — a fact that is obscured by the well known position-momentum uncertainty relation. Various proposed physical interpretations of the uncertainty relations are then discussed. The chapter concludes with a brief reflection on the significance of the uncertainty relations.
Discussions on uncertainty relations (UR) and quantum measurements (QMS) persisted until nowadays in publications about quantum mechanics (QM). They originate mainly from the conventional interpretation of UR (CIUR). In the most of the QM literarure, it is underestimated the fact that, over the years, a lot of deficiencies regarding CIUR were signaled. As a rule the alluded deficiencies were remarked disparately and discussed as punctual and non-essential questions. Here we approach an investigation of the mentioned deficiencies collected in a conclusive ensemble. Subsequently we expose a reconsideration of the major problems referring to UR and QMS. We reveal that all the basic presumption of CIUR are troubled by insurmountable deficiencies which require the indubitable failure of CIUR and its necessary abandonment. Therefore the UR must be deprived of their statute of crucial pieces for physics. So, the aboriginal versions of UR appear as being in postures of either (i) thought-experimental fictions or (ii) simple QM formulae and, any other versions of them, have no connection with the QMS. Then the QMS must be viewed as an additional subject comparatively with the usual questions of QM. For a theoretical description of QMS we propose an informationtransmission model, in which the quantum observables are considered as random variables. Our approach directs to natural solutions and simplifications for many problems regarding UR and QMS.