An axiomatic scheme more general than quantum theory (Q2266418)

A relativistic scheme generalizing the operational approach to quantum theory is considered. The scheme describes the interrelation between preparations of a physical object and subsequent operations on it by means of macroscopic instruments definitely located in space-time. Only quite general axioms ensuring a self-consistent description of probabilities are postulated. A probability that an operation occurs is assumed to exist if and only if the operating instrument is located in space-time later than the preparing one (in relativistic sense). Two sets of instruments are ascribed to each space-like hypersurface: a set of all preparing instruments located in the past with respect to the hypersurface and a set of all operating ones located in the future. The linear spaces of states and observables corresponding to these sets are defined in a way conventionally used in the operational approach. The state spaces as well as the observable spaces attached to different hypersurfaces do not coincide in general. If one hypersurface is located in the future with respect to another, a linear operator always exists mapping the state space belonging to the first hypersurface into the state space belonging to the second. These operators describe the time development of the object in a fixed coordinate system (provided no operations occur between the hypersurfaces). The physical processes are classified with respect to their reversibility or irreversibility in time using the properties of the development operators. Different types of irreversibility are described. Each operation occurring between mutually nonintersecting space-like hypersurfaces generates a linear transformation acting from one of the corresponding state spaces into another. If the process is reversible, all these transformations can be turned into linear operators mapping one fixed state space into itself. This may be achieved by means of development operator and its inverse existing in the reversible case. Consequently an algebra of linear operators corresponding to operations on the object can be constructed in that case. Also a linear representation of the Poincaré group arises for a reversible process. If the process is irreversible, the development operator may be not invertible and no operator algebra exists in general. The position of the quantum theory in the described scheme is clarified. The mentioned operator algebra has in the quantum case very specific properties.