Quantum origins of objectivity

R. Horodecki, J. K. Korbicz, and P. Horodecki
Phys. Rev. A 91, 032122 – Published 30 March 2015

Abstract

In spite of all of its successes, quantum mechanics leaves us with a central problem: How does nature create a bridge from fragile quanta to the objective world of everyday experience? Here we find that a basic structure within quantum mechanics that leads to the perceived objectivity is a so-called spectrum broadcast structure. We uncover this based on minimal assumptions, without referring to any dynamical details or a concrete model. More specifically, working formally within the decoherence theory setting with multiple environments (called quantum Darwinism), we show how a crucial for quantum mechanics notion of nondisturbance due to Bohr [N. Bohr, Phys. Rev. 48, 696 (1935)] and a natural definition of objectivity lead to a canonical structure of a quantum system-environment state, reflecting objective information records about the system stored in the environment.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 10 September 2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.91.032122

©2015 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

R. Horodecki1,2, J. K. Korbicz1,2, and P. Horodecki3,2

  • 1Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, University of Gdańsk, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
  • 2National Quantum Information Centre in Gdanśk, 81-824 Sopot, Poland
  • 3Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 91, Iss. 3 — March 2015

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

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review A

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×