English

Approximate and Exact Consistency of Histories

Quantum Physics 2009-10-28 v2

Abstract

The consistent histories formalism is discussed using path-projected states. These are used to analyse various criteria for approximate consistency. The connection between the Dowker-Halliwell criterion and sphere packing problems is shown and used to prove several new bounds on the violation of probability sum rules. The quantum Zeno effect is also analysed within the consistent histories formalism and used to demonstrate some of the difficulties involved in discussing approximate consistency. The complications associated with null histories and infinite sets are briefly discussed.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.quant-ph/9506034,
  title  = {Approximate and Exact Consistency of Histories},
  author = {J. N. McElwaine},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:quant-ph/9506034},
  year   = {2009}
}

Comments

32 pages, revtex, no figures. Explanations improved, one proof extended. To appear Phys. Rev A 1st March 96

R2 v1 2026-07-22T20:00:22.848Z