9909073v3

related topics
{observables, space, algebra}
{states, state, optimal}
{vol, operators, histories}
{particle, mechanics, theory}
{bell, inequality, local}
{let, theorem, proof}
{measurement, state, measurements}
{phase, path, phys}

Quantum states and generalized observables: a simple proof of Gleason's theorem

P. Busch

abstract: A quantum state can be understood in a loose sense as a map that assigns a value to every observable. Formalizing this characterization of states in terms of generalized probability distributions on the set of effects, we obtain a simple proof of the result, analogous to Gleason's theorem, that any quantum state is given by a density operator. As a corollary we obtain a von Neumann-type argument against non-contextual hidden variables. It follows that on an individual interpretation of quantum mechanics, the values of effects are appropriately understood as propensities.

oai_identifier:
oai:arXiv.org:quant-ph/9909073
categories:
quant-ph
comments:
3 pages, revtex. New title, and presentation substantially revised, focus now being on the characterization of probability measures on the set of effects rather than the question of hidden variables
doi:
10.1103/PhysRevLett.91.120403
arxiv_id:
quant-ph/9909073
journal_ref:
Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 120403 (2003)
created:
1999-09-23
updated:
2003-05-28

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