The Two-State Vector Formalism of Qauntum Mechanics: an Updated Review
Abstract
In this paper we present the two-state vector formalism of quantum mechanics. It is a time-symmetrized approach to standard quantum theory particularly helpful for the analysis of experiments performed on pre- and post-selected ensembles. Several peculiar effects which naturally arise in this approach are considered. In particular, the concept of ``weak measurements'' (standard measurements with weakening of the interaction) is discussed in depth revealing a very unusual but consistent picture. Also, a design of a gedanken experiment which implements a kind of quantum ``time machine'' is described. The issue of time-symmetry in the context of the two-state vector formalism is clarified.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.quant-ph/0105101,
title = {The Two-State Vector Formalism of Qauntum Mechanics: an Updated Review},
author = {Yakir Aharonov and Lev Vaidman},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:quant-ph/0105101},
year = {2007}
}
Comments
48 pages, 5 eps fig. Updated version for new eddition of ``Time in Quantum Mechanics'', edited by J. G. Muga, R. Sala Mayato and I. L. Egusquiza