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Journal of Physics A Mathematical and General

Algebraic partial Boolean algebras

D. A. Smith

Published Mar 19, 2003• 5 citations

Abstract

Partial Boolean algebras, first studied by Kochen and Specker in the 1960s, provide the structure for Bell–Kochen–Specker theorems which deny the existence of non-contextual hidden variable theories. In this paper, we study partial Boolean algebras which are ‘algebraic’ in the sense that their elements have coordinates in an algebraic number field. Several of these algebras have been discussed recently in a debate on the validity of Bell–Kochen–Specker theorems in the context of finite precision measurements. The main result of this paper is that every algebraic finitely-generated partial Boolean algebra B ( T ) is finite when the underlying space ℋ is three-dimensional, answering a question of Kochen and showing that Conway and Kochen's infinite algebraic partial Boolean algebra has minimum dimension. This result contrasts the existence of an infinite (non-algebraic) B ( T ) generated by eight elements in an abstract orthomodular lattice of height 3. We then initiate a study of higher-dimensional algebraic partial Boolean algebras. First, we describe a restriction on the determinants of the elements of B ( T ) that are generated by a given set T . We then show that when the generating set T consists of the rays spanning the minimal vectors in a real irreducible root lattice, B ( T ) is infinite just if that root lattice has an A 5 sublattice. Finally, we characterize the rays of B ( T ) when T consists of the rays spanning the minimal vectors of the root lattice E 8 .

DOI: 10.1088/0305-4470/36/13/319

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Partial Boolean algebras, first studied by Kochen and Specker in the 1960s, provide the structure for Bell–Kochen–Specker theorems which deny the existence of non-contextual hidden variable theories. In this paper, we study partial Boolean algebras which are ‘algebraic’ in the sense that their elements have coordinates in an algebraic number field. Several of these algebras have been discussed recently in a debate on the validity of Bell–Kochen–Specker theorems in the context of finite precision measurements. The main result of this paper is that every algebraic finitely-generated partial Boolean algebra B ( T ) is finite when the underlying space ℋ is three-dimensional, answering a question of Kochen and showing that Conway and Kochen's infinite algebraic partial Boolean algebra has minimum dimension. This result contrasts the existence of an infinite (non-algebraic) B ( T ) generated by eight elements in an abstract orthomodular lattice of height 3. We then initiate a study of higher-dimensional algebraic partial Boolean algebras. First, we describe a restriction on the determinants of the elements of B ( T ) that are generated by a given set T . We then show that when the generating set T consists of the rays spanning the minimal vectors in a real irreducible root lattice, B ( T ) is infinite just if that root lattice has an A 5 sublattice. Finally, we characterize the rays of B ( T ) when T consists of the rays spanning the minimal vectors of the root lattice E 8 .

The Kochen-Specker no-go theorem established that hidden-variable theories in quantum mechanics necessarily admit contextuality. This theorem is formally stated in terms of the partial Boolean algebra structure of projectors on a Hilbert space. Each partial Boolean algebra provides a semantics for interpreting propositional logic. In this paper, we examine the complexity of propositional satisfiablity for various classes of partial Boolean algebras. We first show that the satisfiability problem for the class of non-trivial partial Boolean algebras is NP-complete. Next, we consider the satisfiability problem for the class of partial Boolean algebras arising from projectors on finite dimensional Hilbert spaces. For real Hilbert spaces of dimension greater 2 and any complex Hilbert spaces of dimension greater than 3, we demonstrate that the satisfiablity problem is complete for the existential theory of the reals. Interestingly, the proofs of these results make use of Kochen-Specker sets as gadgets. As a corollary, we conclude that deciding quantum homomorphism in these fixed dimensions are also complete for the existential theory of the reals. Finally, we show that the satisfiability problems for the class of all Hilbert spaces and all finite-dimensional Hilbert spaces is undecidable.

The Kochen-Specker no-go theorem established that hidden-variable theories in quantum mechanics necessarily admit contextuality. This theorem is formally stated in terms of the partial Boolean algebra structure of projectors on a Hilbert space. Each partial Boolean algebra provides a semantics for interpreting propositional logic. In this paper, we examine the complexity of propositional satisfiability for various classes of partial Boolean algebras. We first show that the satisfiability problem for the class of non-trivial partial Boolean algebras is NP-complete. Next, we consider the satisfiability problem for the class of partial Boolean algebras arising from projectors on finite dimensional Hilbert spaces. For real Hilbert spaces of dimension greater 2 and any complex Hilbert spaces of dimension greater than 3, we demonstrate that the satisfiability problem is complete for the existential theory of the reals. Interestingly, the proofs of these results make use of Kochen-Specker sets as gadgets. As a corollary, we conclude that deciding quantum homomorphism in these fixed dimensions are also complete for the existential theory of the reals. Finally, we show that the satisfiability problems for the class of all Hilbert spaces and all finite-dimensional Hilbert spaces is undecidable.

Partial Boolean algebras (PBAs) were introduced by Kochen and Specker as an algebraic model reflecting the mutual relationships among quantum-physical yes–no tests. The fact that not all pairs of tests are compatible was taken into special account. In this paper, we review PBAs from two sides. First, we generalise the concept, taking into account also those yes–no tests which are based on unsharp measurements. Namely, we introduce partial MV-algebras, and we define a corresponding logic. Second, we turn to the representation theory of PBAs. In analogy to the case of orthomodular lattices, we give conditions for a PBA to be isomorphic to the PBA of closed subspaces of a complex Hilbert space. Hereby, we do not restrict ourselves to purely algebraic statements; we rather give preference to conditions involving automorphisms of a PBA. We conclude by outlining a critical view on the logico-algebraic approach to the foundational problem of quantum physics.

This paper is a contribution to the algebraic study of contextuality in quantum theory. As an algebraic analogue of Kochen and Specker’s no-hidden-variables result, we investigate rational subrings over which the partial ring of [Formula: see text] symmetric matrices ([Formula: see text]) admits no morphism to a nonzero commutative ring, which we view as an “algebraic hidden state”. For [Formula: see text], the minimal such ring is shown to be [Formula: see text], while for [Formula: see text] the minimal subring is [Formula: see text] itself. The proofs rely on the construction of new sets of integer vectors in dimensions 3 and 6 that have no Kochen–Specker coloring.

Alternative partial Boolean structures, implicit in the discussion of classical representability of sets of quantum mechanical predictions, are characterized, with definite general conclusions on the equivalence of the approaches going back to Bell and Kochen–Specker. An algebraic approach is presented, allowing for a discussion of partial classical extension, amounting to reduction of the “number of contexts,” classical representability arising as a special case. As a result, known techniques are generalized and some of the associated computational difficulties overcome. The implications on the discussion of Boole–Bell inequalities are indicated.

Beginning with the work of Birkhoff and von Neumann, the lattice of closed subspaces of Hilbert space has been studied by mathematicians, physicists, and philosophers. Since the 1960's, work of Gudder and of Kochen has focussed on partial structures extracted from, or related to, the lattice mentioned above. This thesis follows in the same tradition. Starting from a new point of view, a particular sort of partial algebra is constructed. The relations of these structures, quasi boolean algebras, to Gudder's work on various sorts of posets and lattices are studied. Their relation to the partial boolean algebras studied by Kochen is also described. In this connection, his definition of partial boolean algebras is refined. A study of quasi boolean algebras themselves is started. Various properties of these partial algebras are isolated and studied. The theory of relations between these partial algebras is then investigated. This theory is modelled after both standard developments in quantum mechanics proper, and some recent work by Kochen. In particular, a theory of "projections" and "interactions" in the context of these algebras is begun.