English

Quantifying quantum reference frames in composed systems: local, global and mutual asymmetries

Quantum Physics 2019-05-01 v1

Abstract

The Page-Wootters mechanism questioned the fundamental nature of time in quantum physics. The mechanism explored the notion that a given physical quantity is always defined and measured relative to a reference frame, in general, not explained in the theoretical description of quantum physical experiments. Recently, the resource theory of asymmetry deals explicitly with what are the physical conditions for a quantum system to serve as a good reference frame. Nonetheless, to quantify a quantum reference frame in relation to another one it is a important task to establish an internal description of quantum theory, i.e., without the need of a classical reference frame. In this work we address this issue by the concept of mutual asymmetry and use this machinery in the Page-Wootters mechanism by identifying the concept of mutual asymmetry as mutual or internal coherence. To do so, the notion of quantum coherence in relation of a quantum reference frame is revisited and a quantifier is proposed in this scenario. Also, this open space to investigate the link of internal coherence and correlations, as proposed by Page and Wootters, under a resource theory approach.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1808.04209,
  title  = {Quantifying quantum reference frames in composed systems: local, global and mutual asymmetries},
  author = {Tiago Martinelli and Diogo O. Soares-Pinto},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1808.04209},
  year   = {2019}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-23T03:32:02.954Z