Quantum measurements, stochastic networks, the uncertainty principle, and the not so strange ``weak values

DOI10.3390/MATH4030056zbMATH Open1358.81017arXiv1606.01845OpenAlexW2413789903MaRDI QIDQ515459FDOQ515459

D. Sokolovski

Publication date: 16 March 2017

Published in: Mathematics (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: The outcomes of a series of measurements, made on a quantum system, form a sequence of random events which occur in a particular order. The system, together with a meter or meters, can be seen as following the paths of a stochastic network connecting all possible outcomes. The paths are shaped from the virtual paths of the system, and the corresponding probabilities are determined by the measuring devices employed. If the measurements are highly accurate, the virtual paths become "real", and the mean values of a quantity (a functional) is directly related to the frequencies with which the paths are travelled. If the measurements are highly inaccurate, the mean (weak) values are expressed in terms of the relative probabilities amplitudes. For pre- and post-selected systems they are bound to take arbitrary values, depending on the chosen transition. This is a direct consequence of the uncertainty principle, which forbids one to distinguish between interfering alternatives, while leaving the interference between them intact.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/1606.01845

zbMATH Keywords

uncertainty principlequantum probabilities``weak valuestransition amplitudes

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Processes in random environments (60K37) Quantum measurement theory, state operations, state preparations (81P15)

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Cited In (1)

• Asking photons where they have been in plain language

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