Work

Large effects from quantum reference frames

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Reference frames are used to parameterize measurements of physical effects, but since their practical realization uses material objects, they may affect observations performed in a combined quantum state of the measured system together with the frame. Here, a procedure is used that makes it possible to describe non-monotonic reference scales in a quantum treatment, revealing large quantum effects in the measured system whenever a reference frame encounters a turning point. Subtle quantum correlations in the combined state of system and frame, and more broadly the concept of relational quantum mechanics, can be tested via a characteristic and surprisingly large shift in the measured value.

Source: Journal of Physics A Mathematical and Theoretical

DOI: 10.1088/1751-8121/ade648

Authors: Martin Bojowald, Luis Martínez

Institution: Pennsylvania State University

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Mechanics and Applications

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,325

Funders: National Science Foundation, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University