Specker Theorem Research Articles

Generalised Kochen–Specker theorem for finite non-deterministic outcome assignments

The Kochen–Specker (KS) theorem is a cornerstone result in quantum foundations, establishing that quantum correlations in Hilbert spaces of dimension d ≥ 3 cannot be explained by (consistent) hidden variable theories that assign a single deterministic outcome to each measurement. Specifically, there exist finite sets of vectors in these dimensions such that no non-contextual deterministic ({0, 1}) outcome assignment is possible obeying the rules of exclusivity and completeness—that the sum of assignments to every set of mutually orthogonal vectors be ≤1 and the sum of value assignments to any d mutually orthogonal vectors be equal to 1. Another central result in quantum foundations is Gleason’s theorem that justifies the Born rule as a mathematical consequence of the quantum formalism. The KS theorem can be seen as a consequence of Gleason’s theorem and the logical compactness theorem. In a similar vein, Gleason’s theorem also indicates the existence of KS-type finite vector constructions to rule out other finite-alphabet outcome assignments beyond the {0, 1} case. Here, we propose a generalisation of the KS theorem that rules out hidden variable theories with outcome assignments in the set {0, p, 1 − p, 1} for p ∈ [0, 1/d) ∪ (1/d, 1/2]. The case p = 1/2 is especially physically significant. We show that in this case the result rules out (consistent) hidden variable theories that are fundamentally binary, i.e., theories where each measurement has fundamentally at most two outcomes (in contrast to the single deterministic outcome per measurement ruled out by KS). We present a device-independent application of this generalised KS theorem by constructing a two-player non-local game for which a perfect quantum winning strategy exists (a Pseudo-telepathy game) while no perfect classical strategy exists even if the players are provided with additional no-signaling resources of PR-box type (with marginals in {0, 1/2, 1}).

Valuation of a financial claim contingent on the outcome of a quantum measurement

We consider a rational agent who at time 0 enters into a financial contract for which the payout is determined by a quantum measurement at some time T > 0. The state of the quantum system is given in the Heisenberg representation by a known density matrix p^ . How much will the agent be willing to pay at time 0 to enter into such a contract? In the case of a finite dimensional Hilbert space H , each such claim is represented by an observable X^T where the eigenvalues of X^T determine the amount paid if the corresponding outcome is obtained in the measurement. We prove, under reasonable axioms, that there exists a pricing state q^ which is equivalent to the physical state p^ such that the pricing function Π0T takes the linear form Π0T(X^T)=P0Ttr(q^X^T) for any claim X^T , where P0T is the one-period discount factor. By ‘equivalent’ we mean that p^ and q^ share the same null space: that is, for any |ξ⟩∈H one has p^|ξ⟩=0 if and only if q^|ξ⟩=0 . We introduce a class of optimization problems and solve for the optimal contract payout structure for a claim based on a given measurement. Then we consider the implications of the Kochen–Specker theorem in this setting and we look at the problem of forming portfolios of such contracts. Finally, we consider multi-period contracts.

Binary quantum random number generator based on value indefinite observables

All quantum random number generators based on measuring value indefinite observables are at least three-dimensional because the Kochen–Specker Theorem and the Located Kochen–Specker Theorem are false in dimension two. In this article, we construct quantum random number generators based on measuring a three-dimensional value indefinite observable that generates binary quantum random outputs with the same randomness qualities as the ternary ones: the outputs are maximally unpredictable.

Simultaneous all-versus-nothing refutation of local realism and noncontextuality by a single system

The quantum realms of nonlocality and contextuality are delineated by Bell’s theorem and the Kochen–Specker theorem, respectively, embodying phenomena that surpass the explanatory capacities of classical theories. These realms hold transformative potential for the fields of information and computing technology. In this study, we unveil a “all-versus-nothing” proof that concurrently illustrates the veracity of these two seminal theorems, fostering a more nuanced comprehension of the intricate relationship intertwining quantum nonlocality and contextuality. Leveraging the capabilities of three singlet pairs and a Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger state analyzer, our proof not only substantiates the conflict between quantum mechanics and hidden-variable theories from another perspective, but can also be readily verifiable utilizing the existing linear optics technology.

Simplicial quantum contextuality

We introduce a new framework for contextuality based on simplicial sets, combinatorial models of topological spaces that play a prominent role in modern homotopy theory. Our approach extends measurement scenarios to consist of spaces (rather than sets) of measurements and outcomes, and thereby generalizes nonsignaling distributions to simplicial distributions, which are distributions on spaces modeled by simplicial sets. Using this formalism we present a topologically inspired new proof of Fine's theorem for characterizing noncontextuality in Bell scenarios. Strong contextuality is generalized suitably for simplicial distributions, allowing us to define cohomological witnesses that extend the earlier topological constructions restricted to algebraic relations among quantum observables to the level of probability distributions. Foundational theorems of quantum theory such as the Gleason's theorem and Kochen--Specker theorem can be expressed naturally within this new language.

On one of Specker's theorems

The Specker theorem is considered, stating that if for some cardinal m there is no strictly intermediate cardinal between m and 2m (briefly CH(m)), and also between 2m and 22m (briefly CH(2m)), then the cardinal 2m is an aleph (briefly WO(2m)). Rejecting the second condition CH(2m) in Specker's theorem, a different condition of local bounded selection of elements from the family of bijections of the set X, |X|=m, to sets X⊔[0,α), 0<α<ℵ(m) (briefly AC2m(ℵ(m))) is specified, which is not only a sufficient condition for 2m=ℵ(m), which strengthens Specker's theorem, but also a necessary condition for it. More precisely, if m is an infinite cardinal, then the formula 2m=ℵ(m) holds if and only if the following formula CH(m)∧AC2m(ℵ(m)) is true. Here ℵ(m) is a Hartogs number. The following generalized Specker theorems are also proved:(CH(m+ℵ(m))∧CH(2m))⇒WO(2m),(CH(m)∧CH(m+ℵ)∧ℵ≥ℵ(m))⇒WO(2m) and(CH(m+ℵ)∧CH(2m)∧ℵ(m)<ℵ≤2m)⇒WO(2m). The following nontrivial theorem is proved: Let m be a cardinal such that the formula CH(2m) is true and Hartogs number ℵ(2m) is a regular cardinal. Then folmula WO(m) is true if and only if m2=m and for every alephs ℵ,ℵ′ such that 2m<2ℵ and 2ℵ′<2m the following inequalities m<ℵ and ℵ′<m are valid, respectively. An unsolved problem is still being discussed: is the formula CH(m)⇒WO(m) true? Solving this problem boils down to solving the question of the consistency of the formula CH(m)∧¬WO(m) with the axioms of Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory without the axioms of choice and regularity (briefly ZF). The problem of consistency and independence of formulas CH(m)∧¬WO(m) and CH(m)∧¬WO(2m) with the axioms of set theory ZF is also discussed. Their independence from these axioms ZF is proved. The consistency of the last formula is known and the question of the consistency of the first formula with axioms ZF remains unresolved yet.

Generalized Gleason theorem and a finite amount of information about the measurement context

Quantum processes cannot be reduced, in a nontrivial way, to classical processes without specifying the context in the description of a measurement procedure. This requirement is implied by the Kochen--Specker theorem in the outcome-deterministic case and, more generally, by the Gleason theorem. The latter establishes that there is only one noncontextual classical model compatible with quantum theory, the one that trivially identifies the quantum state with the classical state. However, this model requires a breaking of the unitary evolution to account for macroscopic realism. Thus, a causal classical model compatible with the unitary evolution of the quantum state is necessarily contextual to some extent. Inspired by well-known results in quantum communication complexity, we consider a particular class of hidden variable theories by assuming that the amount of information about the measurement context is finite. Aiming at establishing some general features of these theories, we first present a generalized version of the Gleason theorem and provide a simple proof of it. Assuming that Gleason's hypotheses hold only locally for small changes of the measurement procedure, we obtain almost the same conclusion of the original theorem about the functional form of the probability measure. An additional constant and a relaxed property of the density operator are the only two differences from the original result. By this generalization of the Gleason theorem and the assumption of finite information for the context, we prove that the probabilities over three or more outcomes of a projective measurement must be linear functions of the projectors associated with the outcomes, given the information on the context.

Contextuality in composite systems: the role of entanglement in the Kochen-Specker theorem

The Kochen–Specker (KS) theorem reveals the nonclassicality of single quantum systems. In contrast, Bell&amp;apos;s theorem and entanglement concern the nonclassicality of composite quantum systems. Accordingly, unlike incompatibility, entanglement and Bell non-locality are not necessary to demonstrate KS-contextuality. However, here we find that for multiqubit systems, entanglement and non-locality are both essential to proofs of the Kochen–Specker theorem. Firstly, we show that unentangled measurements (a strict superset of local measurements) can never yield a logical (state-independent) proof of the KS theorem for multiqubit systems. In particular, unentangled but nonlocal measurements—whose eigenstates exhibit &amp;apos;&amp;apos;nonlocality without entanglement"—are insufficient for such proofs. This also implies that proving Gleason&amp;apos;s theorem on a multiqubit system necessarily requires entangled projections, as shown by Wallach [Contemp Math, 305: 291-298 (2002)]. Secondly, we show that a multiqubit state admits a statistical (state-dependent) proof of the KS theorem if and only if it can violate a Bell inequality with projective measurements. We also establish the relationship between entanglement and the theorems of Kochen–Specker and Gleason more generally in multiqudit systems by constructing new examples of KS sets. Finally, we discuss how our results shed new light on the role of multiqubit contextuality as a resource within the paradigm of quantum computation with state injection.

Bypassing the Kochen–Specker Theorem: An Explicit Non-Contextual Statistical Model for the Qutrit

We describe an explicitly non-contextual statistical model of hidden variables for the qutrit, which fully reproduces the predictions of quantum mechanics, and thus, bypasses the constraints imposed by the Kochen–Specker theorem and its subsequent reformulations. We notice that these renowned theorems crucially rely on the implicitly assumed existence of an absolute frame of reference with respect to which physically indistinguishable tests related by spurious gauge transformations can supposedly be assigned well-defined distinct identities. We observe that the existence of such an absolute frame of reference is not required by fundamental physical principles, and hence, assuming it is an unnecessarily restrictive demand.

Contextuality and the fundamental theorems of quantum mechanics

Contextuality is a key feature of quantum mechanics, as was first brought to light by Bohr [Albert Einstein: Philosopher-Scientist, Library of Living Philosophers Vol. VII, edited by P. A. Schilpp (Open Court, 1998), pp. 199–241] and later realized more technically by Kochen and Specker [J. Math. Mech. 17, 59 (1967)]. Isham and Butterfield put contextuality at the heart of their topos-based formalism and gave a reformulation of the Kochen–Specker theorem in the language of presheaves in Isham and Butterfield [Int. J. Theor. Phys. 37, 2669 (1998)]. Here, we broaden this perspective considerably (partly drawing on existing, but scattered results) and show that apart from the Kochen–Specker theorem, Wigner’s theorem, Gleason’s theorem, and Bell’s theorem also relate fundamentally to contextuality. We provide reformulations of the theorems using the language of presheaves over contexts and give general versions valid for von Neumann algebras. This shows that a very substantial part of the structure of quantum theory is encoded by contextuality.

Varieties of contextuality based on probability and structural nonembeddability

Different analytic notions of contextuality fall into two major groups: probabilistic and strong notions of contextuality. Kochen and Specker's Theorem 0 [1] presents a demarcation criterion for differentiating between those groups. Whereas probabilistic contextuality still allows classical models, albeit with nonclassical probabilities, the logico-algebraic “strong” form of contextuality characterizes collections of quantum observables that have no faithfully embedding into (extended) Boolean algebras. Both forms indicate a classical in- or under-determination that can be termed “value indefinite” and formalized by partial functions of theoretical computer sciences.

Optical scheme to demonstrate state-independent quantum contextuality

The contradiction between classical and quantum physics can be identified through quantum contextuality, which does not need composite systems or spacelike separation. Contextuality is proven either by a logical contradiction between the noncontextuality hidden variable predictions and those of quantum mechanics or by the violation of noncontextual inequality. We propose an experimental scheme of state-independent contextual inequality derived from the Mermin proof of the Kochen–Specker (KS) theorem in eight-dimensional Hilbert space, which could be observed either in an individual system or in a composite system. We also show how to resolve the compatibility problems. Our scheme can be implemented in optical systems with current experiment techniques.

Quantum contextuality of YO-13 rays

Quantum contextuality, a more general quantum correlation, is an important resource for quantum computing and quantum information processing. Meanwhile, quantum contextuality plays an important role in fundamental quantum physics. Yu and Oh (YO) proposed a proof of the Kochen–Specker theorem for a qutrit with only 13 rays. Here, we further study quantum contextuality of YO-13 rays using the inequality approach. The maximum quantum violation value of the optimal noncontextuality inequality constructed by YO-13 rays is increased to 11.9776 in the four-dimensional system, which is larger than 11.6667 in the qutrit system. The result shows that the set of YO-13 rays has stronger quantum contextuality in the four-dimensional system. Moreover, we provide an all-versus-nothing proof (i.e. Hardy-like proof) to study YO-13 rays without using any inequality, which is easily applied to experimental tests. Our results will further deepen the understanding of YO-13 rays.

Discretization of the Bloch sphere, fractal invariant sets and Bell's theorem.

An arbitrarily dense discretization of the Bloch sphere of complex Hilbert states is constructed, where points correspond to bit strings of fixed finite length. Number-theoretic properties of trigonometric functions (not part of the quantum-theoretic canon) are used to show that this constructive discretized representation incorporates many of the defining characteristics of quantum systems: completementarity, uncertainty relationships and (with a simple Cartesian product of discretized spheres) entanglement. Unlike Meyer’s earlier discretization of the Bloch Sphere, there are no orthonormal triples, hence the Kocken–Specker theorem is not nullified. A physical interpretation of points on the discretized Bloch sphere is given in terms of ensembles of trajectories on a dynamically invariant fractal set in state space, where states of physical reality correspond to points on the invariant set. This deterministic construction provides a new way to understand the violation of the Bell inequality without violating statistical independence or factorization, where these conditions are defined solely from states on the invariant set. In this finite representation, there is an upper limit to the number of qubits that can be entangled, a property with potential experimental consequences.

Contextuality, memory cost and non-classicality for sequential measurements.

The Kochen-Specker theorem, and the associated notion of quantum contextuality, can be considered as the starting point for the development of a notion of non-classical correlations for single systems. The subsequent debate around the possibility of an experimental test of Kochen-Specker-type contradiction stimulated the development of different theoretical frameworks to interpret experimental results. Starting from the approach based on sequential measurements, we will discuss a generalization of the notion of non-classical temporal correlations that goes beyond the contextuality approach and related ones based on Leggett and Garg's notion of macrorealism, and it is based on the notion of memory cost of generating correlations. Finally, we will review recent results on the memory cost for generating temporal correlations in classical and quantum systems. The present work is based on the talk given at the Purdue Winer Memorial Lectures 2018: probability and contextuality. This article is part of the theme issue 'Contextuality and probability in quantum mechanics and beyond'.

The Supposition for the Kochen and Specker Theorem Using Sum rule and Product rule

We investigate a hidden-variable theory introduced by Kochen and Specker. The “hidden” results of measurements are either 1 or − 1. We suppose the validity of Sum rule and Product rule. Kochen and Specker suppose the two operations Sum rule and Product rule commute with each other. It is shown that the two operations Sum rule and Product rule do not commute with each other when we want to avoid the Kochen and Specker paradox. Otherwise we encounter the Kochen and Specker paradox. We mention the supposition for Greenberger, Horne, and Zeilinger paradox. It is discussed that only Product rule is necessary for the paradox. We give up the two paradoxes if (1) Sum rule and Product rule do not commute with each other and (2) Product rule is not valid.

Unscrambling the Omelette of Quantum Contextuality (Part I): Preexistent Properties or Measurement Outcomes?

In this paper we attempt to analyze the physical and philosophical meaning of quantum contextuality. We will argue that there exists a general confusion within the foundational literature arising from the improper “scrambling” of two different meanings of quantum contextuality. While the first one, introduced by Bohr, is related to an epistemic interpretation of contextuality which stresses the incompatibility (or complementarity) of measurement situations described in classical terms; the second meaning of contextuality is related to a purely formal understanding of contextuality as exposed by the Kochen–Specker (KS) theorem which focuses instead on the constraints of the orthodox quantum formalism in order to interpret projection operators as preexistent or actual (definite valued) properties. We will show how these two notions have been scrambled together creating an “omelette of contextuality” which has been fully widespread through a popularized “epistemic explanation” of the KS theorem according to which: The measurement outcome of the observableAwhen measured together withBor together withCwill necessarily differ in case$$[A, B] = [A, C] = 0$$, and$$[B, C] \ne 0$$. We will show why this statement is not only improperly scrambling epistemic and formal perspectives, but is also physically and philosophically meaningless. Finally, we analyze the consequences of such widespread epistemic reading of KS theorem as related to statistical statements of measurement outcomes.

Experimentally probing the algorithmic randomness and incomputability of quantum randomness

The advantages of quantum random number generators (QRNGs) over pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs) are normally attributed to the nature of quantum measurements. This is often seen as implying the superiority of the sequences of bits themselves generated by QRNGs, despite the absence of empirical tests supporting this. Nonetheless, one may expect sequences of bits generated by QRNGs to have properties that pseudo-random sequences do not; indeed, pseudo-random sequences are necessarily computable, a highly nontypical property of sequences. In this paper, we discuss the differences between QRNGs and PRNGs and the challenges involved in certifying the quality of QRNGs theoretically and testing their output experimentally. While QRNGs are often tested with standard suites of statistical tests, such tests are designed for PRNGs and only verify statistical properties of a QRNG, but are insensitive to many supposed advantages of QRNGs. We discuss the ability to test the incomputability and algorithmic complexity of QRNGs. While such properties cannot be directly verified with certainty, we show how one can construct indirect tests that may provide evidence for the incomputability of QRNGs. We use these tests to compare various PRNGs to a QRNG, based on superconducting transmon qutrits and certified by the Kochen–Specker theorem, to see whether such evidence can be found in practice. While our tests fail to observe a strong advantage of the quantum random sequences due to algorithmic properties, the results are nonetheless informative: some of the test results are ambiguous and require further study, while others highlight difficulties that can guide the development of future tests of algorithmic randomness and incomputability.

Quantum contextuality implies a logic that does not obey the principle of bivalence

In the paper, a value assignment for projection operators relating to a quantum system is equated with assignment of truth values to the propositions associated with these operators. In consequence, the Kochen–Specker theorem (its localized variant, to be exact) can be treated as the statement that a logic of those projection operators does not obey the principle of bivalence. This implies that such a logic has a gappy (partial) semantics or many-valued semantics.

No-Go Theorems and the Foundations of Quantum Physics

In the history of quantum physics several no-go theorems have been proved, and many of them have played a central role in the development of the theory, such as Bell’s or the Kochen–Specker theorem. A recent paper by F. Laudisa has raised reasonable doubts concerning the strategy followed in proving some of these results, since they rely on the standard framework of quantum mechanics, a theory that presents several ontological problems. The aim of this paper is twofold: on the one hand, I intend to reinforce Laudisa’s methodological point by critically discussing Malament’s theorem in the context of the philosophical foundation of quantum field theory; secondly, I rehabilitate Gisin’s theorem showing that Laudisa’s concerns do not apply to it.