Quantum information and relativity theory

Asher Peres and Daniel R. Terno
Rev. Mod. Phys. 76, 93 – Published 6 January 2004
PDFExport Citation

Abstract

This article discusses the intimate relationship between quantum mechanics, information theory, and relativity theory. Taken together these are the foundations of present-day theoretical physics, and their interrelationship is an essential part of the theory. The acquisition of information from a quantum system by an observer occurs at the interface of classical and quantum physics. The authors review the essential tools needed to describe this interface, i.e., Kraus matrices and positive-operator-valued measures. They then discuss how special relativity imposes severe restrictions on the transfer of information between distant systems and the implications of the fact that quantum entropy is not a Lorentz-covariant concept. This leads to a discussion of how it comes about that Lorentz transformations of reduced density matrices for entangled systems may not be completely positive maps. Quantum field theory is, of course, necessary for a consistent description of interactions. Its structure implies a fundamental tradeoff between detector reliability and localizability. Moreover, general relativity produces new and counterintuitive effects, particularly when black holes (or, more generally, event horizons) are involved. In this more general context the authors discuss how most of the current concepts in quantum information theory may require a reassessment.

    DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.76.93

    ©2004 American Physical Society

    Authors & Affiliations

    Asher Peres

    • Department of Physics, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, 32000 Haifa, Israel

    Daniel R. Terno

    • Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2J 2W9

    References (Subscription Required)

    Click to Expand
    Issue

    Vol. 76, Iss. 1 — January - March 2004

    Reuse & Permissions
    Access Options
    Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

    Authorization Required


    ×
    ×

    Images

    ×

    Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Reviews of Modern Physics

    Log In

    Cancel
    ×

    Search


    Article Lookup

    Paste a citation or DOI

    Enter a citation
    ×