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

arXiv:gr-qc/9903015 · Modern Physics Letters A

SOME IDENTITIES FOR THE QUANTUM MEASURE AND ITS GENERALIZATIONS

Roberto B. Salgado

Published Apr 20, 2002• 33 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

After a brief review of classical probability theory (measure theory), we present an observation (due to Sorkin) concerning an aspect of probability in quantum mechanics. Following Sorkin, we introduce a generalized measure theory based on a hierarchy of "sum-rules". The first sum-rule yields classical probability theory, and the second yields a generalized probability theory that includes quantum mechanics as a special case. We present some algebraic relations involving these sum-rules. This may be useful for the study of the higher-order sum-rules and possible generalizations of quantum mechanics. We conclude with some open questions and suggestions for further work.

DOI
10.1142/s0217732302007041

Related papers

Some Identities for the Quantum Measure and its Generalizations

Salgado, R B

After a brief review of classical probability theory (measure theory), we present an observation (due to Sorkin) concerning an aspect of probability in quantum mechanics. Following Sorkin, we introduce a generalized measure theory based on a hierarchy of ``sum-rules.'' The first sum-rule yields classical probability theory, and the second yields a generalized probability theory that includes quantum mechanics as a special case. We present some algebraic relations involving these sum-rules. This may be useful for the study of the higher-order sum-rules and possible generalizations of quantum mechanics. We conclude with some open questions and suggestions for further work.

•Mar 10, 1999•40 citations

QUANTUM MECHANICS AS QUANTUM MEASURE THEORY

Rafael D. Sorkin

The additivity of classical probabilities is only the first in a hierarchy of possible sum rules, each of which implies its successor. The first and most restrictive sum rule of the hierarchy yields measure theory in the Kolmogorov sense, which is appropriate physically for the description of stochastic processes such as Brownian motion. The next weaker sum rule defines a generalized measure theory which includes quantum mechanics as a special case. The fact that quantum probabilities can be expressed "as the squares of quantum amplitudes" is thus derived in a natural manner, and a series of natural generalizations of the quantum formalism is delineated. Conversely, the mathematical sense in which classical physics is a special case of quantum physics is clarified. The present paper presents these relationships in the context of a "realistic" interpretation of quantum mechanics.

arXiv:gr-qc/9401003•Modern Physics Letters A•Oct 30, 1994•406 citations

HIGHER ORDER MEASURES, GENERALIZED QUANTUM MECHANICS AND HOPF ALGEBRAS

Abstract. We study Sorkin’s proposal of a generalization of quantum mechanics and find that the theories proposed derive their probabilities from k-th order polynomials in additive measures, in the same way that quantum mechanics uses a probability bilinear in the quantum amplitude and its complex conjugate. Two complementary approaches are presented, a C ∗ and a Hopf-algebraic one, illuminating both algebraic and geometric aspects of the problem. 1.

•Jan 1, 2003•0 citations

HIGHER ORDER MEASURES, GENERALIZED QUANTUM MECHANICS AND HOPF ALGEBRAS

Chryssomalis Chryssomalakos, Micho Ðurđevich

We study Sorkin's proposal of a generalization of quantum mechanics and find that the theories proposed derive their probabilities from k th order polynomials in additive measures, in the same way that quantum mechanics uses a probability bilinear in the quantum amplitude and its complex conjugate. Two complementary approaches are presented, a C* and a Hopf-algebraic one, illuminating both algebraic and geometric aspects of the problem.

arXiv:quant-ph/0309092•Modern Physics Letters A•Jan 20, 2004•3 citations

Quantum probability and the problem of interpretation

W. Michael Dickson

Quantum probability and quantum mechanics The formalism of quantum probability theory Discussions of quantum mechanics are often confused by a lack of clarity about what exactly constitutes ‘quantum mechanics’. It is therefore useful to try at the start to isolate a consistent mathematical core of quantum mechanics, and consider anything that goes beyond this core to be ‘interpretation’. For us, this core is quantum probability theory. Quantum probability is a generalization of classical probability, and therefore I begin with a brief review of the latter. I assume that the reader has some familiarity with the ideas of probability theory. What follows is just to provide a quick review, and to establish some notation and terminology. In modern classical probability theory, probabilities are defined over algebras of events. The motivation is straightforward: we begin with a set of ‘primitive’, or ‘simple’, events (the ‘sample space’), and form an algebra of events by taking all logical combinations of the simple events. For example, let us take the simple events to be the possible results of rolling a six-sided die one time, so that the sample space is the set {1,2,3,4,5,6}. We then form an algebra of events from the sample space by taking all possible logical combinations of the simple events. Logical combinations include, for example, ‘either 3 or 5’ and ‘not 3 and not 2’.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Apr 2, 1998•0 citations

Aspects of Probability in Quantum Theory

Michael Dickson

Abstract This chapter elucidates quantum probabilities in the formal apparatus of quantum mechanics, while not taking sides about interpretive issues. A central contention is that the notion of a probability measure should not be captured in the usual classical framework, but instead in the more general framework of effect algebras. Two formulations of quantum mechanics in this framework are provided: one using projection-valued measures, another using positive-operator-valued measures. The chapter presents several versions of the Born Rule and critically examines justifications that have been proposed for the Born Rule. The chapter concludes with laying down the perennial puzzles about probability in quantum mechanics such as quantum correlations.

•Sep 1, 2011•2 citations
After a brief review of classical probability theory (measure theory), we present an observation (due to Sorkin) concerning an aspect of probability in quantum mechanics. Following Sorkin, we introduce a generalized measure theory based on a hierarchy of "sum-rules". The first sum-rule yields classical probability theory, and the second yields a generalized probability theory that includes quantum mechanics as a special case. We present some algebraic relations involving these sum-rules. This may be useful for the study of the higher-order sum-rules and possible generalizations of quantum mechanics. We conclude with some open questions and suggestions for further work.
After a brief review of classical probability theory (measure theory), we present an observation (due to Sorkin) concerning an aspect of probability in quantum mechanics. Following Sorkin, we introduce a generalized measure theory based on a hierarchy of ``sum-rules.'' The first sum-rule yields classical probability theory, and the second yields a generalized probability theory that includes quantum mechanics as a special case. We present some algebraic relations involving these sum-rules. This may be useful for the study of the higher-order sum-rules and possible generalizations of quantum mechanics. We conclude with some open questions and suggestions for further work.
The additivity of classical probabilities is only the first in a hierarchy of possible sum rules, each of which implies its successor. The first and most restrictive sum rule of the hierarchy yields measure theory in the Kolmogorov sense, which is appropriate physically for the description of stochastic processes such as Brownian motion. The next weaker sum rule defines a generalized measure theory which includes quantum mechanics as a special case. The fact that quantum probabilities can be expressed "as the squares of quantum amplitudes" is thus derived in a natural manner, and a series of natural generalizations of the quantum formalism is delineated. Conversely, the mathematical sense in which classical physics is a special case of quantum physics is clarified. The present paper presents these relationships in the context of a "realistic" interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Quantum probability and quantum mechanics The formalism of quantum probability theory Discussions of quantum mechanics are often confused by a lack of clarity about what exactly constitutes ‘quantum mechanics’. It is therefore useful to try at the start to isolate a consistent mathematical core of quantum mechanics, and consider anything that goes beyond this core to be ‘interpretation’. For us, this core is quantum probability theory. Quantum probability is a generalization of classical probability, and therefore I begin with a brief review of the latter. I assume that the reader has some familiarity with the ideas of probability theory. What follows is just to provide a quick review, and to establish some notation and terminology. In modern classical probability theory, probabilities are defined over algebras of events. The motivation is straightforward: we begin with a set of ‘primitive’, or ‘simple’, events (the ‘sample space’), and form an algebra of events by taking all logical combinations of the simple events. For example, let us take the simple events to be the possible results of rolling a six-sided die one time, so that the sample space is the set {1,2,3,4,5,6}. We then form an algebra of events from the sample space by taking all possible logical combinations of the simple events. Logical combinations include, for example, ‘either 3 or 5’ and ‘not 3 and not 2’.
Abstract This chapter elucidates quantum probabilities in the formal apparatus of quantum mechanics, while not taking sides about interpretive issues. A central contention is that the notion of a probability measure should not be captured in the usual classical framework, but instead in the more general framework of effect algebras. Two formulations of quantum mechanics in this framework are provided: one using projection-valued measures, another using positive-operator-valued measures. The chapter presents several versions of the Born Rule and critically examines justifications that have been proposed for the Born Rule. The chapter concludes with laying down the perennial puzzles about probability in quantum mechanics such as quantum correlations.