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arXiv:hep-th/9307019 · Modern Physics Letters A

QUANTUM MECHANICS AS BAYESIAN COMPLEX PROBABILITY THEORY

Saul Youssef

Published Sep 14, 1994• 57 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

As a possible alternative to conventional quantum mechanics, the Bayesian version of probability theory is extended to include complex probabilities. An additional assumption of realism restores a frequency interpretation while coexisting with Bell’s theorem. Such complex probabilities are shown to have a superposition principle, to include wave functions which are expansions in eigenfunctions of Hermitian operators, to have a path-integral representation and to describe both pure and mixed systems. A scalar particle in Rd is shown to obey the Schrödinger equation with mass, vector potential and metric appearing as moments of a fundamental probability. Illustrative examples are given. The quantum version of Bayesian inference is discussed.

DOI
10.1142/s0217732394002422

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As a possible alternative to conventional quantum mechanics, the Bayesian version of probability theory is extended to include complex probabilities. An additional assumption of realism restores a frequency interpretation while coexisting with Bell’s theorem. Such complex probabilities are shown to have a superposition principle, to include wave functions which are expansions in eigenfunctions of Hermitian operators, to have a path-integral representation and to describe both pure and mixed systems. A scalar particle in Rd is shown to obey the Schrödinger equation with mass, vector potential and metric appearing as moments of a fundamental probability. Illustrative examples are given. The quantum version of Bayesian inference is discussed.
This paper introduces a novel approach to Bayesian inference that draws inspiration from the principles of quantum mechanics, specifically superposition and decoherence. Traditional Bayesian inference often struggles with exploring the vast and complex inference landscape, leading to slow convergence and potential inaccuracies. Our method utilizes a quantum-inspired representation of probability distributions as quantum states, enabling the simultaneous consideration of multiple hypotheses within a superposition. Controlled decoherence protocols are then employed to guide the inference process, effectively selecting the most probable hypothesis while minimizing computational cost. We demonstrate, through theoretical analysis and mathematical formulations, that this approach can dramatically improve the exploration of the inference landscape, resulting in faster convergence and enhanced accuracy compared to conventional Bayesian methods. The core of this work lies in the mapping of Bayesian model parameters to quantum states and the implementation of controlled decoherence, offering a fundamentally new perspective on probabilistic reasoning. This research aims to provide a framework for tackling complex Bayesian problems efficiently and effectively, potentially unlocking new possibilities in various fields, including machine learning, statistics, and scientific discovery.
Abstract Quantum mechanics is spectacularly successful on the technical level but the meaning of its rules remains shrouded in mystery even more than seventy years after its inception. Quantum-mechanical probabilities are often considered as fundamentally different from classical probabilities, in disre-gard of the work of Cox (1946) -and of Schrödinger (1947) -on the foundations of probability theory. One central question concerns the superposition principle, i. e. the need to work with inter-fering wave functions, the absolute squares of which are probabilities. Other questions concern the relationship between spin and statistics or the collapse of the wave function when new data become available. These questions are reconsidered from the Bayesian point of view. The superposition principle is found to be a consequence of an apparently little-loiown mathematical theorem for non-negative Fourier polynomials published by Fejer in 1915 that implies wave-mechanical inter-ference already for classical probabilities. Combined with the classical Hamiltonian equations for free and accelerated motion, gauge invariance and particle indistinguishability, it yields all basic quantum features -wave-particle duality, operator calculus, uncertainty relations, Schrödinger equation, CPT invariance and even the spin-statistics relationship -which demystifies quantum mechanics to quite some extent.
This paper proposes a novel Bayesian inference algorithm termed "Quantum-Inspired Bayesian Inference" (QIBI), drawing inspiration from quantum mechanics, particularly superposition and entanglement. Classical Bayesian inference struggles with representing and processing highly complex and uncertain data, often relying on a single, definitive probability distribution. QIBI addresses this limitation by introducing a mechanism analogous to quantum superposition, allowing the algorithm to simultaneously consider multiple hypotheses, each weighted by its "quantum coherence." Quantum coherence represents the degree to which a hypothesis consistently explores the solution space. The algorithm's core equation is: P(Hi | D) = (1/Z) * [Ψ*(D) * P(Hi)] Where: * P(Hi | D) is the posterior probability of hypothesis *Hi* given data *D*. * Ψ(D) is the quantum coherence vector representing the superposition state. * P(Hi) is the prior probability of hypothesis *Hi*. * Z is the normalization constant. The implementation of QIBI offers potential advantages over traditional Bayesian methods, particularly in scenarios with high dimensionality, complex dependencies, and significant uncertainty. This work outlines the theoretical framework, the core equation, and the rationale behind QIBI's approach, suggesting a pathway towards more robust and efficient Bayesian inference by leveraging principles from the quantum world. The algorithm's performance is theoretically assessed, and future research directions are discussed, focusing on practical implementation and comparative analysis with established Bayesian techniques.
Abstract In the 1950s and 1960s it was causing interest among physicists that in the formalism of quantum mechanics (complex-valued) ‘probability amplitudes’ obeyed laws similar to the laws obeyed by probabilities in the ordinary probability calculus. But this did not then lead decisively to the claim that probabilities should be represented by complex numbers. It became fashionable instead to regard probability amplitudes as an abstract concept from which actual probabilities could be derived by taking the squared moduli of the amplitudes. In this monograph, however, we make another attempt to show how probability amplitudes might after all be identified with actual probabilities. To do this, probability itself is interpreted in a rational Bayesian manner (i.e. as an extension of logic) and a new (complex-valued) probability theory is formulated that incorporates the uncertainty principle (i.e. that takes account of the fact that acquisition of knowledge of a quantum mechanical process generally interferes with it). Taking this probability theory as the new logic of science, and assuming certain physical laws and properties of matter, an interpretation of non-relativistic quantum mechanics is built up. It is consistent with the usual quantum mechanical formalism but allows a clear distinction to be made between the physical world and our knowledge of it.
Part 1: the need for the quantum mechanics quantization of radiation the special theory of relativity wave-particle duality the nature of matter waves the uncertainty principle the Bohr atom. Part 2 Schrodinger's equation: the postulates of quantum mechanics the wave equation the wave equation in three dimensions the time-independent Schrodinger equation stationary states normalisation probability flux physical constraints on the wave-function wave packets Gaussian wave-packets and the uncertainty principle. Part 3 One-dimensional potential wells: potential wells the one-dimensional infinite square well discussion of infinite square-well results eigenvalue equations the finite square well finite square well eigenfunctions the control of the wave-function by the wave equation numerical integration of Schrodinger's equation continuum solutions of the square-well potential interpretation of unbound-particle wave functions the double potential well the quantum bouncer electric fields and the tilted well the harmonic oscillator - introduction the quantum oscillator discussion of harmonic oscillator eigenvalues and eigenfunctions the classical probability density more potential wells. Part 4 Schrodinger's equation in three dimensions: particle in a three dimensional box degeneracy Schrodingers equation in spherical polar coordinates - the hydrogen atom normalisation. Part 5 Formal development of quantum mechanics: eigenvalues equations, operators and measurements the momentum operator, eigenvalues and eigenfunctions the position operator and its eigenfunctions Hermitian operators orthogonality of eigenfunctions the expansion postulate example - the b-decay of tritium expectation values compatibility of observables - commutators non-commuting operators time-dependence of expectation values - Ehrenfest's theorem abstract operators - the parity operator, matrix mechanics. Part 6 Angular momentum: angular momentum operators angular momentum commutators angular momentum eigenvalues and eigenfunctions interpretation of angular momentum eigenvalues interpretation of angular momentum eigenfunctions the Stern-Gerlach apparatus and electron spin spin operators - the Pauli Spin matrices the Zeeman effect measurements in quantum mechanics. Part 7 Spherically symmetric potential wells: the rigid rotator the radial equation the hydrogen atom and hydrogen like ions the isotropic harmonic oscillator molecular vibrations - the Morse potential the spherical square well general properties of spherically symmetric potential wells. (Part contents)