Classical Statistical Field Theory Research Articles

Subquantum nonlocal correlations induced by the background random field

We developed a purely field model of microphenomena—prequantum classical statistical field theory (PCSFT). This model not only reproduces important probabilistic predictions of quantum mechanics (QM) including correlations for entangled systems, but also gives a possibility to go beyond QM, i.e. to make predictions of phenomena that could be observed at the subquantum level. In this paper, we discuss one such prediction—the existence of nonlocal correlations between prequantum random fields corresponding to all quantum systems. (And by PCSFT, quantum systems are represented by classical Gaussian random fields and quantum observables by quadratic forms of these fields.) The source of these correlations is the common background field. Thus all prequantum random fields are ‘entangled’, but in the sense of classical signal theory. On the one hand, PCSFT demystifies quantum nonlocality by reducing it to nonlocal classical correlations based on the common random background. On the other hand, it demonstrates total generality of such correlations. They exist even for distinguishable quantum systems in factorizable states (by PCSFT terminology—for Gaussian random fields with covariance operators corresponding to factorizable quantum states).

Prequantum classical statistical field theory: background field as a source of everything?

Prequantum classical statistical field theory (PCSFT) is a new attempt to consider quantum mechanics (QM) as an emergent phenomenon, cf. with De Broglie's "double solution" approach, Bohmian mechanics, stochastic electrodynamics (SED), Nelson's stochastic QM and its generalization by Davidson, 't Hooft's models and their development by Elze. PCSFT is a comeback to a purely wave viewpoint on QM, cf. with early Schrodinger. There is no quantum particles at all, only waves. In particular, photons are simply wave-pulses of the classical electromagnetic field, cf. SED. Moreover, even massive particles are special "prequantum fields": the electron field, the neutron field, and so on. PCSFT claims that (sooner or later) people will be able to measure components of these fields: components of the "photonic field" (the classical electromagnetic field of low intensity), electronic field, neutronic field, and so on. At the moment we are able to produce quantum correlations as correlations of classical Gaussian random fields. In this paper we are interested in mathematical and physical reasons of usage of Gaussian fields. We consider prequantum signals (corresponding to quantum systems) as composed of a huge number of wave-pulses (on very fine prequantum time scale). We speculate that the prequantum background field (the field of "vacuum fluctuations") might play the role of a source of such pulses, i.e., the source of everything.

A classical field theory comeback? The classical field viewpoint on triparticle entanglement

We present the fundamentals of a prequantum model with hidden variables of classical field type—prequantum classical statistical field theory (PCSFT). In some sense, this is the comeback of classical field theory, but with an extension to massive particles. All quantum averages (including correlations of entangled systems) can be represented as classical field averages and correlations. In the literature, entanglement of biparticle systems (in particular, biphotons) has been represented in the PCSFT framework. In this paper, we consider triparticle entanglement. It is well known that in conventional quantum mechanics, the cases of biparticle and triparticle entanglement are quite different. Roughly speaking, triparticle entanglement is not reducible to biparticle entanglement. The PCSFT approach to entanglement (as a correlation of classical signals) reflects this quantum situation. The PCSFT representations of correlations in biparticle and triparticle systems differ essentially. In particular, from the mathematical viewpoint the latter is fundamentally more complicated than the former.

Classical signal model for quantum channels

Recently it was shown that the main distinguishing features of quantum mechanics (QM) can be reproduced by a model based on classical random fields, so called prequantum classical statistical field theory (PCSFT). This model provides a possibility to represent averages of quantum observables, including correlations of observables on subsystems of a composite system (e.g., entangled systems), as averages with respect to fluctuations of classical (Gaussian) random fields. In this note we consider some consequences of PCSFT for quantum information theory. They are based on the observation \cite{W} of two authors of this paper that classical Gaussian channels (important in classical signal theory) can be represented as quantum channels. Now we show that quantum channels can be represented as classical linear transformations of classical Gaussian signal

Quantum correlations and dynamics from classical random fields valued in complex Hilbert spaces

One of the crucial differences between mathematical models of classical and quantum mechanics (QM) is the use of the tensor product of the state spaces of subsystems as the state space of the corresponding composite system. (To describe an ensemble of classical composite systems, one uses random variables taking values in the Cartesian product of the state spaces of subsystems.) We show that, nevertheless, it is possible to establish a natural correspondence between the classical and the quantum probabilistic descriptions of composite systems. Quantum averages for composite systems (including entangled) can be represented as averages with respect to classical random fields. It is essentially what Albert Einstein dreamed of. QM is represented as classical statistical mechanics with infinite-dimensional phase space. While the mathematical construction is completely rigorous, its physical interpretation is a complicated problem. We present the basic physical interpretation of prequantum classical statistical field theory in Sec. II. However, this is only the first step toward real physical theory.

Decoherence and Thermalization of a Pure Quantum State in Quantum Field Theory

We study the real-time evolution of a self-interacting O(N) scalar field initially prepared in a pure, coherent quantum state. We present a complete solution of the nonequilibrium quantum dynamics from a 1/N expansion of the two-particle-irreducible effective action at next-to-leading order, which includes scattering and memory effects. We demonstrate that, restricting one's attention (or ability to measure) to a subset of the infinite hierarchy of correlation functions, one observes an effective loss of purity or coherence and, on longer time scales, thermalization. We point out that the physics of decoherence is well described by classical statistical field theory.

Pairwise correlations in a three-partite quantum system from a prequantum random field

Prequantum classical statistical field theory (PCSFT) is a model that provides the possibility to represent the averages of quantum observables (including correlations of observables on subsystems of a composite system) as averages with respect to fluctuations of classical random fields. In view of the PCSFT terminology, quantum states are classical random fields. The aim of our approach is to represent all quantum probabilistic quantities by means of classical random fields. We obtain the classical-random-field representation for pairwise correlations in three-partite quantum systems. The three-partite case (surprisingly) differs substantially from the bipartite case. As an important first step, we generalized the theory developed for pure quantum states of bipartite systems to the states given by density operators.

An analogue of the Heisenberg uncertainty relation in prequantum classical field theory

Prequantum classical statistical field theory (PCSFT) is a model that provides the possibility of representing averages of quantum observables, including correlations of observables on subsystems of a composite system, as averages with respect to fluctuations of classical random fields. PCSFT is a classical model of wave type. For example, ‘electron’ is described by electronic field. In contrast to quantum mechanics (QM), this field is a real physical field and not a field of probabilities. An important point is that the prequantum field of , for example, an electron contains the irreducible contribution of the background field vacuum fluctuations. In principle, the traditional QM-formalism can be considered as a special regularization procedure: subtraction of averages with respect to vacuum fluctuations. In this paper, we derive a classical analogue of the Heisenberg–Robertson inequality for dispersions of functionals of classical (prequantum) fields. The PCSFT Robertson-like inequality provides a restriction on the product of classical dispersions. However, this restriction is not so rigid as in QM.

Prequantum Classical Statistical Field Theory: Schrödinger Dynamics of Entangled Systems as a Classical Stochastic Process

The idea that quantum randomness can be reduced to randomness of classical fields (fluctuating at time and space scales which are essentially finer than scales approachable in modern quantum experiments) is rather old. Various models have been proposed, e.g., stochastic electrodynamics or the semiclassical model. Recently a new model, so called prequantum classical statistical field theory (PCSFT), was developed. By this model a “quantum system” is just a label for (so to say “prequantum”) classical random field. Quantum averages can be represented as classical field averages. Correlations between observables on subsystems of a composite system can be as well represented as classical correlations. In particular, it can be done for entangled systems. Creation of such classical field representation demystifies quantum entanglement. In this paper we show that quantum dynamics (given by Schrodinger’s equation) of entangled systems can be represented as the stochastic dynamics of classical random fields. The “effect of entanglement” is produced by classical correlations which were present at the initial moment of time, cf. views of Albert Einstein.

Description of Composite Quantum Systems by Means of Classical Random Fields

Recently a new attempt to go beyond QM was performed in the form of so-called prequantum classical statistical field theory (PCSFT). In this approach quantum systems are described by classical random fields, e.g., the electron field or the neutron field. Averages of quantum observables arise as approximations of averages of classical variables (functionals of “prequantum fields”) with respect to fluctuations of fields. For classical variables given by quadratic functionals of fields, quantum and prequantum averages simply coincide. In this paper we generalize PCSFT to the composite quantum system. The main discovery is that, opposite to a rather common opinion, a composite system can be described by the Cartesian product of state spaces (like in classical physics) and not by the tensor product of them (like in conventional QM). A natural interpretation of the quantum pure state for a composite system is proposed: it is the nondiagonal block in the covariance matrix of the random field describing a composite system. The interpretation of a pure state due to Dirac and von Neumann seems to be an artifact of the conventional mathematical description of micro-systems. PCSFT provides a new possibility for interpretation of entanglement.

Born's rule for momentum measurement from prequantum field theory

Recently a new attempt to go beyond quantum mechanics (QM) was done in the form of so called prequantum classical statistical field theory (PCSFT). In this approach QM is considered as incomplete theory – in total accordance with Einstein [1]. PCSFT is (one of possible) completions of QM. Hidden variables are given by classical fields. (It is again in accordance with Einstein.) These prequantum fields fluctuate on time and space scales which are essentially finer than scales of QM, cf. 't Hooft's attempt to go beyond QM [2, 3]. However opposite to Einstein, PCSFT does not assign results of quantum observations directly to hidden variables. Bohr's idea that the whole experimental arrangement should be taken into account is basic for PCSFT-based measurement theory. This theory for measurements of momentum of quantum particles is presented in this paper.

Detection Model Based on Representation of Quantum Particles by Classical Random Fields: Born’s Rule and Beyond

Recently a new attempt to go beyond quantum mechanics (QM) was presented in the form of so called prequantum classical statistical field theory (PCSFT). Its main experimental prediction is violation of Born's rule which provides only an approximative description of real probabilities. We expect that it will be possible to design numerous experiments demonstrating violation of Born's rule. Moreover, recently the first experimental evidence of violation was found in the triple slits interference experiment, see \cite{WWW}. Although this experimental test was motivated by another prequantum model, it can be definitely considered as at least preliminary confirmation of the main prediction of PCSFT. In our approach quantum particles are just symbolic representations of "prequantum random fields," e.g., "electron-field" or "neutron-field"; photon is associated with classical random electromagnetic field. Such prequantum fields fluctuate on time and space scales which are essentially finer than scales of QM, cf. `t Hooft's attempt to go beyond QM \cite{H1}--\cite{TH2}. In this paper we elaborate a detection model in the PCSFT-framework. In this model classical random fields (corresponding to "quantum particles") interact with detectors inducing probabilities which match with Born's rule only approximately. Thus QM arises from PCSFT as an approximative theory. New tests of violation of Born's rule are proposed.

Effective convergence of the two-particle irreducible1/Nexpansion for nonequilibrium quantum fields

The $1/N$ expansion of the two-particle irreducible effective action offers a powerful approach to study quantum field dynamics far from equilibrium. We investigate the effective convergence of the $1/N$ expansion in the $O(N)$ model by comparing results obtained numerically in $1+1$ dimensions at leading, next-to-leading and next-to-next-to-leading order in $1/N$ as well as in the weak coupling limit. A comparison in classical statistical field theory, where exact numerical results are available, is made as well. We focus on early-time dynamics and quasiparticle properties far from equilibrium and observe rapid effective convergence already for moderate values of $1/N$ or the coupling.

Prequantum classical statistical field theory: Time scale of fluctuations

Prequantum classical statistical field theory: Time scale of fluctuations

To quantum averages through asymptotic expansion of classical averages on infinite-dimensional space

We study asymptotic expansions of Gaussian integrals of analytic functionals on infinite-dimensional spaces (Hilbert and nuclear Frechet). We obtain an asymptotic equality coupling the Gaussian integral and the trace of the composition of scaling of the covariation operator of a Gaussian measure and the second (Frechet) derivative of a functional. In this way we couple classical average (given by an infinite-dimensional Gaussian integral) and quantum average (given by the von Neumann trace formula). We can interpret this mathematical construction as a procedure of “dequantization” of quantum mechanics. We represent quantum mechanics as an asymptotic projection of classical statistical mechanics with infinite-dimensional phase space. This space can be represented as the space of classical fields, so quantum mechanics is represented as a projection of “prequantum classical statistical field theory.”

Prequantum Classical Statistical Field Theory: Complex Representation, Hamilton-Schrödinger Equation, and Interpretation of Stationary States

We develop a prequantum classical statistical model in that the role of hidden variables is played by classical (vector) fields. We call this model Prequantum Classical Statistical Field Theory (PCSFT). The correspondence between classical and quantum quantities is asymptotic, so we call our approach asymptotic dequantization. We construct the complex representation of PCSFT. In particular, the conventional Schrodinger equation is obtained as the complex representation of the system of Hamilton equations on the infinite-dimensional phase space. In this note we pay the main attention to interpretation of so called pure quantum states (wave functions) in PCSFT, especially stationary states. We show, see Theorem 2, that pure states of QM can be considered as labels for Gaussian measures concentrated on one dimensional complex subspaces of phase space that are invariant with respect to the Schrodinger dynamics. “A quantum system in a stationary state ψ” in PCSFT is nothing else than a Gaussian ensemble of classical fields (fluctuations of the vacuum field of a very small magnitude) which is not changed in the process of Schrodinger's evolution. We interpret in this way the problem of stability of hydrogen atom. One of unexpected consequences of PCSFT is the infinite dimension of physical space on the prequantum scale.

Nonlinear Schrödinger equations from prequantum classical statistical field theory

We derive some important features of the standard quantum mechanics from a certain classical-like model—prequantum classical statistical field theory, PCSFT. In this approach correspondence between classical and quantum quantities is established through asymptotic expansions. PCSFT induces not only linear Schrödinger's equation, but also its nonlinear generalizations. This coupling with “nonlinear wave mechanics” is used to evaluate the small parameter of PCSFT.

Generalizations of Quantum Mechanics Induced by Classical Statistical Field Theory

We show that the Dirac-von Neumann formalism for quantum mechanics can be obtained as an approximation of classical statistical field theory. This approximation is based on the Taylor expansion (up to terms of the second order) of classical physical variables – maps f : Ω → R, where Ω is the infinite-dimensional Hilbert space. The space of classical statistical states consists of Gaussian measures ρ on Ω having zero mean value and dispersion σ2(ρ) ≈ h. This viewpoint to the conventional quantum formalism gives the possibility to create generalized quantum formalisms based on expansions of classical physical variables in the Taylor series up to terms of nth order and considering statistical states ρ having dispersion σ2(ρ) = hn (for n = 2 we obtain the conventional quantum formalism).

A pre-quantum classical statistical model with infinite-dimensional phase space

We show that quantum mechanics can be represented as an asymptotic projection of statistical mechanics of classical fields. Thus our approach does not contradict to a rather common opinion that quantum mechanics could not be reduced to statistical mechanics of classical particles. Notions of a system and causality can be reestablished on the prequantum level, but the price is sufficiently high -- the infinite dimension of the phase space. In our approach quantum observables, symmetric operators in the Hilbert space, are obtained as derivatives of the second order of functionals of classical fields. Statistical states are given by Gaussian ensembles of classical fields with zero mean value (so these are vacuum fluctuations) and dispersion $\alpha$ which plays the role of a small parameter of the model (so these are small vacuum fluctuations). Our approach might be called {\it Prequantum Classical Statistical Field Theory} - PCSFT. Our model is well established on the mathematical level. However, to obtain concrete experimental predictions -- deviations of real experimental averages from averages given by the von Neumann trace formula - we should find the energy scale $\alpha$ of prequantum classical fields.

FROM EUCLIDEAN FIELD THEORY TO QUANTUM FIELD THEORY

In order to construct examples for interacting quantum field theory models, the methods of Euclidean field theory turned out to be powerful tools since they make use of the techniques of classical statistical mechanics. Starting from an appropriate set of Euclidean n-point functions (Schwinger distributions), a Wightman theory can be reconstructed by an application of the famous Osterwalder–Schrader reconstruction theorem. This procedure (Wick rotation), which relates classical statistical mechanics and quantum field theory, is, however, somewhat subtle. It relies on the analytic properties of the Euclidean n-point functions. We shall present here a C*-algebraic version of the Osterwalder–Schrader reconstruction theorem. We shall see that, via our reconstruction scheme, a Haag–Kastler net of bounded operators can directly be reconstructed. Our considerations also include objects, like Wilson loop variables, which are not point-like localized objects like distributions. This point of view may also be helpful for constructing gauge theories.