Abstract
We introduce quantum history states and their mathematical framework, thereby reinterpreting and extending the consistent histories approach to quantum theory. Through thought experiments, we demonstrate that our formalism allows us to analyze a quantum version of history in which we reconstruct the past by observations. In particular, we can pass from measurements to inferences about 'what happened' in a way that is sensible and free of paradox. Our framework allows for a richer understanding of the temporal structure of quantum theory, and we construct history states that embody peculiar, non-classical correlations in time.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 014004 |
Journal | Physica Scripta |
Volume | 2016 |
Issue number | T168 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 31 2015 |
Event | 156th Nobel Symposium on New Forms of Matter: Topological Insulators and Superconductors - Lidingo, Sweden Duration: Jun 13 2014 → Jun 15 2014 |
Keywords
- entangled histories
- quantum mechanics
- temporal observable
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
- Mathematical Physics
- Condensed Matter Physics