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Is quantum mechanics exact?

Kapustin, Anton (2013) Is quantum mechanics exact? Journal of Mathematical Physics, 54 (6). Art. No. 062107. ISSN 0022-2488. doi:10.1063/1.4811217. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20130826-131734670

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Abstract

We formulate physically motivated axioms for a physical theory which for systems with a finite number of degrees of freedom uniquely lead to quantum mechanics as the only nontrivial consistent theory. Complex numbers and the existence of the Planck constant common to all systems arise naturally in this approach. The axioms are divided into two groups covering kinematics and basic measurement theory, respectively. We show that even if the second group of axioms is dropped, there are no deformations of quantum mechanics which preserve the kinematic axioms. Thus, any theory going beyond quantum mechanics must represent a radical departure from the usual a priori assumptions about the laws of nature.


Item Type:Article
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4811217 DOIArticle
http://jmp.aip.org/resource/1/jmapaq/v54/i6/p062107_s1PublisherArticle
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Kapustin, Anton0000-0003-3903-5158
Additional Information:© 2013 AIP Publishing LLC. Received 17 April 2013; accepted 31 May 2013; published online 27 June 2013. This work was supported in part by the Department of Energy grant DE-FG02-92ER40701.
Group:Caltech Theory
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
Department of Energy (DOE)DE-FG02-92ER40701
Subject Keywords:group theory, quantum theory
Issue or Number:6
Classification Code:PACS: 03.65.Ta; 02.20.-a; 03.65.Fd
DOI:10.1063/1.4811217
Record Number:CaltechAUTHORS:20130826-131734670
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20130826-131734670
Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:40930
Collection:CaltechAUTHORS
Deposited By: Tony Diaz
Deposited On:27 Aug 2013 17:14
Last Modified:10 Nov 2021 04:24

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