In all our well-established theories, it is assumed that events are embedded in a global causal structure such that, for every pair of events, the causal order between them is always fixed. However, the possible interplay between quantum mechanics and general relativity may require a revision of this paradigm. The process matrix framework keeps the validity of quantum physics locally but does not assume the existence of a global causal order. It allows to describe causal structures corresponding to a quantum superposition of 'A is before B' and 'B is before A'. So far, the framework has been developed only for finite-dimensional systems, and a straightforward generalization to infinite dimensions leads to singularities. Such generalization is necessary for continuous-variable systems and is a prerequisite for quantum fields on indefinite causal structures. Here we develop the process-matrix framework for continuous-variable systems. We encounter and solve the problems of singularities. Moreover, we study an example of a process in infinite dimensions, and we derive correlations exhibiting intereference due to processes in which A is before B and B is before A.

Giacomini, F., Castro-Ruiz, E., Brukner, C. (2016). Indefinite causal structures for continuous-variable systems. NEW JOURNAL OF PHYSICS, 18(11) [10.1088/1367-2630/18/11/113026].

Indefinite causal structures for continuous-variable systems

Giacomini, F.
;
2016-01-01

Abstract

In all our well-established theories, it is assumed that events are embedded in a global causal structure such that, for every pair of events, the causal order between them is always fixed. However, the possible interplay between quantum mechanics and general relativity may require a revision of this paradigm. The process matrix framework keeps the validity of quantum physics locally but does not assume the existence of a global causal order. It allows to describe causal structures corresponding to a quantum superposition of 'A is before B' and 'B is before A'. So far, the framework has been developed only for finite-dimensional systems, and a straightforward generalization to infinite dimensions leads to singularities. Such generalization is necessary for continuous-variable systems and is a prerequisite for quantum fields on indefinite causal structures. Here we develop the process-matrix framework for continuous-variable systems. We encounter and solve the problems of singularities. Moreover, we study an example of a process in infinite dimensions, and we derive correlations exhibiting intereference due to processes in which A is before B and B is before A.
2016
Pubblicato
Rilevanza internazionale
Articolo
Esperti anonimi
Settore PHYS-02/A - Fisica teorica delle interazioni fondamentali, modelli, metodi matematici e applicazioni
Settore PHYS-04/A - Fisica teorica della materia, modelli, metodi matematici e applicazioni
English
Con Impact Factor ISI
causality
infinite dimensions
quantum foundations
Giacomini, F., Castro-Ruiz, E., Brukner, C. (2016). Indefinite causal structures for continuous-variable systems. NEW JOURNAL OF PHYSICS, 18(11) [10.1088/1367-2630/18/11/113026].
Giacomini, F; Castro-Ruiz, E; Brukner, C
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2108/444869
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