Time Symmetry in the Quantum Process of Measurement

Michel Bitbol

Eiji Konishi

We propose that the degree of freedom of measurement by quantum mechanical observers originates in the Goldstone mode of the spontaneously broken time reparametrization symmetry. Based on the classification of quantum states by their nonunitary temporal behavior as seen in the measurement processes, we describe the concepts of the quantum mechanical observers via the time reparametrization symmetry.

K. Datta

EIJI KONISHI

We propose that the degree of freedom of measurement by quantum mechanical observers originates in the Goldstone mode of the spontaneously broken time reparametrization symmetry. Based on the classification of quantum states by their nonunitary temporal behavior as seen in the measurement processes, we describe the concepts of the quantum mechanical observers via the time reparametrization symmetry.

Kurt Franke, Adam Bednorz, Wolfgang Belzig

In classical physics, the microscopic dynamics is invariant under time reversal. In quantum mechanics, it is only the measurement process that renders the dynamics irreversible. However, for non-invasive measurements, one should expect that the time-reversal symmetry is restored. We show that, counterintuitively, the symmetry is broken even in the non-invasive limit.

R. Edward Nather