Does the Reeh–Schlieder theorem violate relativistic causality?

Abstract

The Reeh–Schlieder theorem is a purely relativistic result in local quantum field theory, which is often regarded as raising a conflict with relativistic causality, namely the requirement that causal processes cannot propagate faster than light. Allegedly, under an operational interpretation, the theorem would entail non-local effects, in that by performing an operation within a region of Minkowski spacetime one could instantaneously change the state of the field over another spacelike separated region. Here, we argue that such a conflict is only apparent. Indeed, a suitable understanding of the notion of local operations helps one dissolve the puzzle. Accordingly, even if one does not exclude superluminal signalling, the latter cannot be controlled, and thus it may not be used to give rise to causal paradoxes. On the other hand, we maintain that relativistic causality is expressed by the axiom of local primitive causality, assuring no superluminal propagation of a field. The Reeh–Schlieder theorem can be shown to be fully consistent with such a condition, and hence it does not imply that matter and energy carried by a quantum field can travel faster than light. Therefore, there is no violation of relativistic causality at all.