A matter of principle: the principles of quantum theory, Dirac's equation, and quantum information (Q892929)

The article deals with the role of fundamental principles in theoretical physics, especially in the quantum theory. The fundamental principles of relativity are addressed as well, in view of their role in quantum electrodynamics and quantum field theory, especially Dirac's work. Indeed, Dirac's derivation of his relativistic equation for the electron from the principles of (special) relativity and quantum theory forms the focus of the article. Based on the works bei Einstein and Bohr, the principle of ``reality without realism'' is explained. The author also considers Heisenberg's earlier works leading him to the discovery of quantum mechanics, which inspired Dirac's work. The author argues that Heisenberg's and Dirac's works were guided by their adherence to and their confidence in the fundamental principles of quantum theory. The final section of the article discusses the recent work by D'Ariano and coworkers [\textit{G. Chiribella}, \textit{G. M. D'Ariano}, \textit{P. Perinotti}, ``Probabilistic theories with purification'', Phys. Rev. A 81, No. 6, Article ID 062348, 40 p. (2010; \url{doi:10.1103/PhysRevA.81.062348}); ``Informational derivation of quantum theory'', Phys. Rev. A 84, No. 1, Article ID 012311, 39 p. (2011; \url{doi:10.1103/PhysRevA.84.012311}); \textit{G. M. D'Ariano} and \textit{P. Perinotti}, ``Derivation of the Dirac equation from principles of information processing'', Phys. Rev. A 90, No. 6, Article ID 062106, 18 p. (2014; \url{doi:10.1103/PhysRevA.90.062106})] on the principles of quantum information theory, which extend quantum theory and its principles in a new direction. In addition to the purification postulate of quantum information theory, five axioms of quantum information theory concerning causality, perfect distinguishability, ideal compression, local distinguishability, and pure conditioning are explained. D'Ariano and coworkers offer a new derivation of Dirac's equation based on these principles alone, without using the principles of relativity. (abstract of the author with additions by CVM)