English

Uncertainty Relations Relative to Phase-Space Quantum Reference Frames

Quantum Physics 2025-07-01 v2

Abstract

We study Heisenberg's uncertainty relation relative to a quantum reference frame (QRF). We introduce the QRF as a covariant phase-space observable, show that when described relative to it, position and momentum appear compatible, and derive novel, frame-relative uncertainty relations. This is achieved by constructing a joint observable for position and momentum, and calculating the variances of its margins. We then verify that in the classical limit of the QRF, the standard uncertainty relations are recovered, fortifying claims that standard quantum theory must be understood relative to an external, classical frame. These results may open up new research directions at the interface between QRFs and incompatibility.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2411.08589,
  title  = {Uncertainty Relations Relative to Phase-Space Quantum Reference Frames},
  author = {Miguel Jorquera Riera and Leon Loveridge},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2411.08589},
  year   = {2025}
}

Comments

11 pages, 0 figures. This second version includes extensive changes introduced during peer review for publication (extra examples and references, improved readability, etc.), plus minor typographical fixes and style tweaks

R2 v1 2026-06-28T19:58:19.233Z