Phase and interference phenomena in generalised probabilistic theories

Thesis

Phase lies at the heart of quantum physics and quantum information theory. A quantum bit is qualitatively different from a classical bit as it allows for the coherent superposition of possibilities, which demonstrate different behaviours depending on the phase between them. These behaviours constitute as interference phenomena, and lie behind the existence of algorithms in quantum computing which are arguably faster than the best classical alternatives. The concept of phase is deeply steeped in the structure of Hilbert spaces: the mathematical framework that underlies quantum theory. What if quantum theory did not hold in all scenarios, or was only a limiting case of some broader theory? In this case, would we still be able to meaningfully talk about phase and interference?

In this thesis, we will adopt an operational generalisation of quantum theory known as the framework of generalised probabilistic theories. We will provide a reasonable definition of phase in this framework. Using this, we shall explore single-particle interferometry set-ups (particularly Mach-Zehnder interferometers): experiments whose output is highly dependent on the phase between the spatially disjoint branches through which a particle might be traversing. By applying physically-motivated locality considerations, we identify the crucial role that the uncertainty principle and its generalisations play in quantum theory as an enabler of non-trivial interference. By taking into account relativity of simultaneity, we will also provide a physical motivation for why standard quantum theory provides the best description of the location of a particle traversing such a system. Finally, we apply our generalised definition of phase in the related context of particle exchange behaviour, and identify a method for classifying post-quantum particles.

All of this will demonstrate that phase between possibilities and its consequences are not uniquely quantum phenomena. Much of the behaviour we might ascribe to phase in quantum theory in fact holds generally true for phase in probabilistic theories.

Authors: Garner, A

• Publication date: 2015
• DOI: 10.5287/ora-gp29varkz
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: Oxford University, UK
• Language: English
• Keywords: foundations of quantum theory; generalised probabilistic theories; theoretical physics; information theory; quantum physics
• Subjects: Physics