Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Observables and States, Reduction, Quantumness and Classicality.

Leonardo Ferro

Published Mar 30, 2014• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

The main objective of this dissertation is the study of the theory of Lie-Jordan Banach algebras, their role in the framework of classical and quantum mechanics, and their applications to different aspects of quantum systems. One of the main results of this thesis is the novel proof of a theorem which characterizes the Jordan (-Banach) algebras that are in a unique correspondence with C*-algebras. The novelty lies in the introduction of a Lie structure on the algebra, which is required to be compatible with the Jordan one. The physical interpretation of this connection with the Lie structure reflects the dual role played by the observables: they are measurable quantities but also the generators of motions of the state space. Whenever constraints are imposed on a quantum system or symmetries are present, both dynamical or gauge, some reduction on the state space must be considered either because not all states are physical and/or because families of states are equivalent. We address this problem in algebraic terms and obtain a reduction procedure which is free from the problems of gauge anomalies which is often encountered in a heuristic approach to the quantization of constraints. Then we study the composition of physical systems and we prove, from algebraic considerations only, the uniqueness of the Planck's constant. This is a strong result, since he existence of multiple Planck's constants would lead to violations of basic space-time conservation laws, which are not observed experimentally. Finally we address the problem of characterizing classical and quantum states, which has become particularly relevant for the field of quantum information and quantum computation, since a number of tasks in computation and communication can be performed only if quantum resources are available. By using the Jordan product we are able to provide a general definition of classical states and the associated quantumness witness which is suitable to infinite-dimensional systems. Then we propose a measure of nonclassicality based on the incompatibility of states relative to each other, rather than on correlations. Surprisingly, this new measure turns out to be experimentally suitable to a direct estimation by using a quantun circuit based on an interference experiment. We finally describe this experiment which is realizable with current technology.

Related papers

Reduction of Lie--Jordan algebras: Quantum

Fernando Falceto, Leonardo Ferro, Alberto Ibort +1 more

In this paper we present a theory of reduction of quantum systems in the presence of symmetries and constraints. The language used is that of Lie--Jordan Banach algebras, which are discussed in some detail together with spectrum properties and the space of states. The reduced Lie--Jordan Banach algebra is characterized together with the Dirac states on the physical algebra of observables.

arXiv:1309.4124•Sep 16, 2013•0 citations

Reductions in finite-dimensional quantum mechanics : from symmetries to operator algebras and beyond

Oleg Kabernik

The idea that symmetries simplify or reduce the complexity of a system has been remarkably fruitful in physics, and especially in quantum mechanics. On a mathematical level, symmetry groups single out a certain structure in the Hilbert space that leads to a reduction. This structure is given by the irreducible representations of the group, and in general it can be identified with an operator algebra (a.k.a. C*-algebra or von Neumann algebra). The primary focus of this thesis is the extension of the framework of reductions from symmetries to operator algebras, and its applications in finite-dimensional quantum mechanics. Finding the irreducible representations structure is the principal problem when working with operator algebras. We will therefore review the representation theory of finite-dimensional operator algebras and elucidate this problem with the help of two novel concepts: minimal isometries and bipartition tables. One of the main technical results that we present is the Scattering Algorithm for analytical derivations of the irreducible representations structure of operator algebras. For applications, we will introduce a symmetry-agnostic approach to the reduction of dynamics where we circumvent the non-trivial task of identifying symmetries, and directly reduce the dynamics generated by a Hamiltonian. We will also consider quantum state reductions that arise from operational constraints, such as the partial trace or the twirl map, and study how operational constraints lead to decoherence. Apart from that, we will extend the idea of reduction beyond operator algebras to operator systems, and formulate a quantum notion of coarse-graining that so far only existed in classical probability theory. We will also characterize how the uncertainty principle transitions to the classical regime under coarse-grained measurements and discuss the implications in a finite-dimensional setting.

arXiv:2103.08226•Jan 1, 2021•2 citations

Entanglement and Information in Algebraic Quantum Theories

Giovanni Valente

The algebraic approach to physical theories provides a general framework encompassing both classical and quantum mechanics. Accordingly, by looking at the behaviour of the relevant algebras of observables one can investigate structural and conceptual differences between the theories. Interesting foundational questions can be formulated algebraically and their answers are then given in a mathematically compelling way. My dissertation focuses on some philosophical issues concerning entanglement and quantum information as they arise in the algebraic. These two concepts are connected in that one can exploit the non-local character of quantum theory to construct protocols of information theory which are not realized in the classical world. I first introduce the basic concepts of the algebraic formalism, by reviewing von Neumann's work on the mathematical foundations of quantum theories. After presenting the reasons why von Neumann abandoned the standard Hilbert space formulation in favour of the algebraic approach, I show how his axiomatic program remained a mathematical "utopia" in mathematical physics. The Bayesian interpretation of quantum mechanics is grounded in information-theoretical considerations. I take on some specific problems concerning the extension of Bayesian statistical inference in infinite dimensional Hilbert space. I demonstrate that the failure of a stability condition, formulated as a rationality constraint for classical Bayesian conditional probabilities, does not undermine the Bayesian interpretation of quantum probabilities. I then provide a solution to the problem of Bayesian noncommutative statistical inference in general probability spaces. Furthermore, I propose a derivation of the a priori probability state in quantum mechanics from symmetry considerations. Finally, Algebraic Quantum Field Theory offers a rigorous axiomatization of quantum field theory, namely the synthesis of quantum mechanics and special relativity. In such a framework one can raise the question of whether or not quantum correlations are made stronger by adding relativistic constraints. I argue that entanglement is more robust in the relativistic context than in ordinary quantum theory. In particular, I show how to generalize the claim that entanglement across space-like separated regions of Minkowski spacetime would persist, no matter how one acts locally.

•Jan 1, 2008•1 citation

3 Defining quantumness via the Jordan product

Paolo Facchi A, Leonardo Ferro, Saverio Pascazio

We propose alternative definitions of classical states and quantumness witnesses by focusing on the algebra of observables of the system. A central role is assumed by the anticommutator of the observables, namely the Jordan product. This approach turns out to be suitable for generalizations to infinite dimensional systems. We then show that the whole algebra of observables can be generated by three elements by repeated application of the Jordan product.

•Aug 16, 2016•11 citations

Defining quantumness via the Jordan product

Paolo Facchi, Leonardo Ferro, Giuseppe Marmo +1 more

We propose alternative definitions of classical states and quantumness witnesses by focusing on the algebra of observables of the system. A central role is assumed by the anticommutator of the observables, namely the Jordan product. This approach turns out to be suitable for generalizations to infinite dimensional systems. We then show that the whole algebra of observables can be generated by three elements by repeated application of the Jordan product.

arXiv:1309.4635•Journal of Physics A Mathematical and Theoretical•Dec 20, 2013•8 citations

Semiclassical analysis of quantum systems with constraints

Artur Tsobanjan

This dissertation addresses the problem of constructing true degrees of freedom in quantum mechanical systems with constraints. The method developed relies on assuming the behavior of the system of interest is ``nearly classical', or semiclassical, in a precise quantitative sense. The approximation is formulated as a perturbative hierarchy of the expectation values of quantum observables and their non-linear combinations, such as spreads and correlations. We formulate the constraint conditions and additional quantum gauge transformations that arise directly on the aforementioned quantities. We specialize this framework to several situations of particular interest. The first situation considered is the case of a constraint that commutes with all quantum observables, which is appropriate for quantization of a Lie algebra with a single Casimir polynomial. Through explicit order-by order counting argue that the true degrees of freedom are captured correctly at each order of the approximation. The rest of the models considered are motivated by the canonical approach to quantizing general relativity. The homogeneous sector of general relativity splits into classes of models, according to topology, which are described by a finite number of degrees of freedom and can therefore be quantized as quantum mechanical systems, making our construction directly applicable. In the Hamiltonian formulation the dynamics of these systems is governed by the Hamiltonian constraint, which, in the quantum theory, gives rise to several conceptual and technical issues collectively known as the Problem of Time. One of the aspects of this problem that does not possess a general solution is the dynamical interpretation of the theory. We use our construction, truncated at the leading order in quantum corrections, together with the intuition gained from dealing with constrained systems in classical mechanics, to define local notion of dynamics relative to a chosen configuration clock variable. We consider a class of models, where the chosen clock in not globally valid, eventually leading to singular dynamics. Within these models we construct an explicit transformation between dynamical evolution relative to two distinct clocks, thus providing a consistent local dynamical interpretation of the true degrees of freedom of the quantum theory.

•Oct 10, 2011•0 citations
The main objective of this dissertation is the study of the theory of Lie-Jordan Banach algebras, their role in the framework of classical and quantum mechanics, and their applications to different aspects of quantum systems.
One of the main results of this thesis is the novel proof of a theorem which characterizes the Jordan (-Banach) algebras that are in a unique correspondence with C*-algebras. The novelty lies in the introduction of a Lie structure on the algebra, which is required to be compatible with the Jordan one. The physical interpretation of this connection with the Lie structure reflects the dual role played by the observables: they are measurable quantities but also the generators of motions of the state space.
Whenever constraints are imposed on a quantum system or symmetries are present, both dynamical or gauge, some reduction on the state space must be considered either because not all states are physical and/or because families of states are equivalent. We address this problem in algebraic terms and obtain a reduction procedure which is free from the problems of gauge anomalies which is often encountered in a heuristic approach to the quantization of constraints.
Then we study the composition of physical systems and we prove, from algebraic considerations only, the uniqueness of the Planck's constant. This is a strong result, since he existence of multiple Planck's constants would lead to violations of basic space-time conservation laws, which are not observed experimentally.
Finally we address the problem of characterizing classical and quantum states, which has become particularly relevant for the field of quantum information and quantum computation, since a number of tasks in computation and communication can be performed only if quantum resources are available. By using the Jordan product we are able to provide a general definition of classical states and the associated quantumness witness which is suitable to infinite-dimensional systems. Then we propose a measure of nonclassicality based on the incompatibility of states relative to each other, rather than on correlations. Surprisingly, this new measure turns out to be experimentally suitable to a direct estimation by using a
quantun circuit based on an interference experiment. We finally describe this experiment which is realizable with current technology.
The idea that symmetries simplify or reduce the complexity of a system has been remarkably fruitful in physics, and especially in quantum mechanics. On a mathematical level, symmetry groups single out a certain structure in the Hilbert space that leads to a reduction. This structure is given by the irreducible representations of the group, and in general it can be identified with an operator algebra (a.k.a. C*-algebra or von Neumann algebra). The primary focus of this thesis is the extension of the framework of reductions from symmetries to operator algebras, and its applications in finite-dimensional quantum mechanics. Finding the irreducible representations structure is the principal problem when working with operator algebras. We will therefore review the representation theory of finite-dimensional operator algebras and elucidate this problem with the help of two novel concepts: minimal isometries and bipartition tables. One of the main technical results that we present is the Scattering Algorithm for analytical derivations of the irreducible representations structure of operator algebras. For applications, we will introduce a symmetry-agnostic approach to the reduction of dynamics where we circumvent the non-trivial task of identifying symmetries, and directly reduce the dynamics generated by a Hamiltonian. We will also consider quantum state reductions that arise from operational constraints, such as the partial trace or the twirl map, and study how operational constraints lead to decoherence. Apart from that, we will extend the idea of reduction beyond operator algebras to operator systems, and formulate a quantum notion of coarse-graining that so far only existed in classical probability theory. We will also characterize how the uncertainty principle transitions to the classical regime under coarse-grained measurements and discuss the implications in a finite-dimensional setting.
The algebraic approach to physical theories provides a general framework encompassing both classical and quantum mechanics. Accordingly, by looking at the behaviour of the relevant algebras of observables one can investigate structural and conceptual differences between the theories. Interesting foundational questions can be formulated algebraically and their answers are then given in a mathematically compelling way. My dissertation focuses on some philosophical issues concerning entanglement and quantum information as they arise in the algebraic. These two concepts are connected in that one can exploit the non-local character of quantum theory to construct protocols of information theory which are not realized in the classical world. I first introduce the basic concepts of the algebraic formalism, by reviewing von Neumann's work on the mathematical foundations of quantum theories. After presenting the reasons why von Neumann abandoned the standard Hilbert space formulation in favour of the algebraic approach, I show how his axiomatic program remained a mathematical "utopia" in mathematical physics. The Bayesian interpretation of quantum mechanics is grounded in information-theoretical considerations. I take on some specific problems concerning the extension of Bayesian statistical inference in infinite dimensional Hilbert space. I demonstrate that the failure of a stability condition, formulated as a rationality constraint for classical Bayesian conditional probabilities, does not undermine the Bayesian interpretation of quantum probabilities. I then provide a solution to the problem of Bayesian noncommutative statistical inference in general probability spaces. Furthermore, I propose a derivation of the a priori probability state in quantum mechanics from symmetry considerations. Finally, Algebraic Quantum Field Theory offers a rigorous axiomatization of quantum field theory, namely the synthesis of quantum mechanics and special relativity. In such a framework one can raise the question of whether or not quantum correlations are made stronger by adding relativistic constraints. I argue that entanglement is more robust in the relativistic context than in ordinary quantum theory. In particular, I show how to generalize the claim that entanglement across space-like separated regions of Minkowski spacetime would persist, no matter how one acts locally.
This dissertation addresses the problem of constructing true degrees of freedom in quantum mechanical systems with constraints. The method developed relies on assuming the behavior of the system of interest is ``nearly classical', or semiclassical, in a precise quantitative sense. The approximation is formulated as a perturbative hierarchy of the expectation values of quantum observables and their non-linear combinations, such as spreads and correlations. We formulate the constraint conditions and additional quantum gauge transformations that arise directly on the aforementioned quantities. We specialize this framework to several situations of particular interest. The first situation considered is the case of a constraint that commutes with all quantum observables, which is appropriate for quantization of a Lie algebra with a single Casimir polynomial. Through explicit order-by order counting argue that the true degrees of freedom are captured correctly at each order of the approximation. The rest of the models considered are motivated by the canonical approach to quantizing general relativity. The homogeneous sector of general relativity splits into classes of models, according to topology, which are described by a finite number of degrees of freedom and can therefore be quantized as quantum mechanical systems, making our construction directly applicable. In the Hamiltonian formulation the dynamics of these systems is governed by the Hamiltonian constraint, which, in the quantum theory, gives rise to several conceptual and technical issues collectively known as the Problem of Time. One of the aspects of this problem that does not possess a general solution is the dynamical interpretation of the theory. We use our construction, truncated at the leading order in quantum corrections, together with the intuition gained from dealing with constrained systems in classical mechanics, to define local notion of dynamics relative to a chosen configuration clock variable. We consider a class of models, where the chosen clock in not globally valid, eventually leading to singular dynamics. Within these models we construct an explicit transformation between dynamical evolution relative to two distinct clocks, thus providing a consistent local dynamical interpretation of the true degrees of freedom of the quantum theory.