English

Quantum influences and event relativity

Quantum Physics 2024-02-01 v1

Abstract

We develop a new interpretation of quantum theory by combining insights from extended Wigner's friend scenarios and quantum causal modelling. In this interpretation, which synthesizes ideas from relational quantum mechanics and consistent histories, events obtain relative to a set of systems, and correspond to projectors that are picked out by causal structure. We articulate these ideas using a precise mathematical formalism. Using this formalism, we show through specific examples and general constructions how quantum phenomena can be modelled and paradoxes avoided; how different scenarios may be classified and the framework of quantum causal models extended; and how one can approach decoherence and emergent classicality without relying on quantum states.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2401.18005,
  title  = {Quantum influences and event relativity},
  author = {Nick Ormrod and Jonathan Barrett},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2401.18005},
  year   = {2024}
}

Comments

Discussed at a seminar at Perimeter Institute, accessible at https://pirsa.org/23090026

R2 v1 2026-06-28T14:33:23.102Z