Abstract
Under the principle that quantum mechanical observables are invariant under relevant symmetry transformations, we explore how the usual, non-invariant quantities may capture measurement statistics. Using a relativisation mapping, viewed as the incorporation of a quantum reference frame, we show that the usual quantum description approximates the relative one precisely when the reference system admits an appropriate localisable quantity and a localised state. From this follows a new perspective on the nature and reality of quantum superpositions and optical coherence.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 40004 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | EPL (Europhysics Letters) |
Volume | 117 |
Early online date | 4 Apr 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 4 Apr 2017 |
Bibliographical note
© EPLA, 2017. This is an author-produced version of the published paper. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher’s self-archiving policy. Further copying may not be permitted; contact the publisher for detailsKeywords
- quantum mechanics
- symmetry
- quantum reference frames