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arXiv:quant-ph/0307008

On the quantum measurements from a reconsidered perspective

Spiridon Dumitru

Published Jul 1, 2003• 0 citations
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Abstract

For theoretical approach of quantum measurements it is proposed a set of reconsidered conjectures. The proposed approach implies linear functional transformations for probability density and current but preserves the expressions for operators of observables. The measuring uncertainties appear as changes in the probabilistic estimators of observables.

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.quant-ph/0307008

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For theoretical approach of quantum measurements it is proposed a set of reconsidered conjectures. The proposed approach implies linear functional transformations for probability density and current but preserves the expressions for operators of observables. The measuring uncertainties appear as changes in the probabilistic estimators of observables.
The usual conjectures of quantum measurements approaches, inspired from the traditional interpretation of Heisenberg's ("uncertainty") relations, are proved as being incorrect. A group of reconsidered conjectures and a corresponding new approach are set forth. The quantum measurements, regarded experimentally as statistical samplings, are described theoretically by means of linear integral transforms of quantum probability density and current, from intrinsic into recorded readings. Accordingly, the quantum observables appear as random variables, valuable, in both readings, through probabilistic numerical parameters (characteristics). The measurements uncertainties (errors) are described by means of the intrinsic-recorded changes for the alluded parameters or for the informational entropies. The present approach, together with other author's investigations, give a natural and unified reconsideration of primary problems of Heisenberg's relations and quantum measurements. The respective reconsideration can offer some nontrivial elements for an expected re-examination of some disputed subsequent questions regarding the foundations and interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Unsolved controversies about uncertainty relations and quantum measurements still persists nowadays. They originate around the shortcomings regarding the conventional interpretation of uncertainty relations. Here we show that the respective shortcomings disclose veridic and unavoidable facts which require the abandonment of the mentioned interpretation. So the primitive uncertainty relations appear as being either thought fictions or fluctuations formulae. Subsequently we reveal that the conventional approaches of quantum measurements are grounded on incorrect premises. We propose a new approach in which : (i) the quantum observables are considered as generalized stochastic variables, (ii) the view is focused only on the pre-existent state of the measured system, without any interest for the collapse of the respective state, (iii) a measurement is described as an input-output transformation which modify the probability density and current but preserve the expressions of the operators. The measuring uncertainties are evaluated as changes in the probabilistic estimators of observables. Related to different observables we do not find reasons of principle neither for uncertainties-connections nor for measuring compatibility/incompatibility.
It is proposed a possible new approach of quantum measurements (QMS), disconnected of the traditional interpretation of uncertainty relations and independent of any appeal to the strange idea of collapse (reduction) of wave functions. The new approach regards QMS as a statistical samplings (but not as simple detection acts) and their description as a distinct task, independent of actual procedures of quantum mechanics. A QMS is described by means of transformations of probability density and probability current, from intrinsic into recorded readings. The quantum observables appear as random variables, described by usual operators and valuable through probabilistic numerical parameters (mean values, correlations and standard deviations). The values of the respective parameters are not the same in the two mentioned readings. Then the measurement uncertainties (errors) are described by means of the changes in the alluded values. The new QMS approach is illustrated through an one-dimensional example.
The partial trace is commonly introduced in quantum mechanics as an algebraic operation used to define reduced states of composite systems. However, the probabilistic origin of this operation goes systematically unnoticed in the literature. Here, we show that the partial trace emerges naturally from the requirement of consistency between the Born rule for measurement probabilities and the classical marginalization of probability mass functions. Starting from the classical marginalization rule relating joint and marginal probability distributions, we impose that the reduced density operator of a subsystem must reproduce the local measurement statistics derived from the global state. We show that this requirement directly leads to the standard expression of the partial trace. From this perspective, the reduced density operator appears not as an ad hoc algebraic construction, but as a natural consequence of the probabilistic structure of quantum mechanics.
Both classical and respectively quantum observables can be modeled as somewhat similar examples of random variables. In such a model the associated measurements preserve the values spectrum of an observable but change the corresponding probabilistic weights (probability density or respectively the wave function). Such a model ensures theoretical estimations for predicted errors specific to the mean values as well as to the fluctuations of both types of observables. The model stands out of ourdays prevalent opinion that measurement theories must be depicted in entirely different manners in the classical respectively quantum cases.
Although there is a complete consensus among working physicists with respect to the practical and operational meanings of quantum states, and also a rather loosely formulated general philosophic view called the Copenhagen interpretation, a great deal of confusion and divergence of opinions exist as to the details of the measurement process and its effects upon quantum states. This paper reviews the current expositions of the measurement problem, limiting itself for lack of space primarily to the writings of physicists; it calls attention to inconsistencies and proposes resolutions. Except for a summary of the properties of statistical matrices which are needed in Part II, the first part is non-mathematical and deals largely with two kinds of probability, reducible and irreducible probabilities, which need to be distinguished for a proper understanding of the measurement act.