Statistical structure of quantum theory (Q2731894)

The book is concerned with the problems of the foundations of quantum mechanics related to the theory of quantum measurement. The statistical interpretation of quantum mechanics provides a new kind of probabilistic model which differs dramatically from the classical one. The probabilistic structure of quantum theory has been investigated since the well-known monograph of \textit{J. von Neumann} ``Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics, 2nd ed (1996; Zbl 0906.00006). The present book deals with the further development of the theory namely with the modern consistent quantum statistical theory that was created in the 1970-80s as a logical extension of the statistical interpretation based on the mathematical foundation of modern functional analysis. For instance, key notions of the theory are, in particular, resolution of identity (positive operator valued measure) and completely positive map, generalizing, correspondingly, spectral measure and unitary evolution of the standard quantum mechanics. Aside from academic interest, the appearance and development of the theory were strongly motivated by the emergence of applied quantum physics, such as quantum optics, quantum electronics, optical communications and high-precision experimental techniques. The subject of the book is a survey of basic principles and results of this theory. The book contains a minimum of discussions of both axiomatic and epistemological issues of quantum mechanics and concentrates on the correct formulation and solution of quite a few concrete problems reviewed in Chapter 1. The standard statistical model is considered in Chapter 2. The rest of the book (Chapters 3-5) is a complement and an extension of the author's monograph [\textit{A. S. Kholevo}, Probabilistic and Statistical Aspects of Quantum Theory, Nauka, Moscow (1980; Zbl 0508.60086); English translation: North Holland, Amsterdam (1982; Zbl 0497.46053)] in the direction of problems involving state changes and measurement dynamics. The book is written clearly and is self-contained. It will be useful for both mathematicians and physicists interested in the foundations of quantum mechanics.