Do qubits dream of entangled sheep? Quantum measurement without classical output
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Quantum mechanics is usually formulated with an implicit assumption that agents who can observe and interact with the world are external to it and have a classical memory. However, there is no accepted way to define the quantum–classical cut and no a priori reason to rule out fully quantum agents with coherent quantum memories. In this work, we introduce an entirely quantum notion of measurement, called a sensation, to account for quantum agents that experience the world through quantum sensors. Sensations eschew probabilities and instead describe a deterministic flow of quantum information. We quantify the information gain and disturbance of a sensation using concepts from quantum information theory and find that sensations always disturb at least as much as they inform. Viewing measurements as sensations could lead to a new understanding of quantum theory in general and to new results in the context of quantum networks.
Source: New Journal of Physics
Institutions: University of Toronto, National Research Council Canada
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,485
Funders: Silicon Valley Community Foundation, John E. Fetzer Memorial Trust, Fetzer Institute, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Foundational Questions Institute, Canadian Network for Research and Innovation in Machining Technology, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Award: G5334186773
OpenAlex ID: W4396724694