Quantum Frame Relativity of Subsystems, Correlations and Thermodynamics
read the original abstract
It was recently noted that different internal quantum reference frames (QRFs) partition a system in different ways into subsystems, much like different inertial observers in special relativity decompose spacetime in different ways into space and time. Here we expand on this QRF relativity of subsystems and elucidate that it is the source of all novel QRF dependent effects, just like the relativity of simultaneity is the origin of all characteristic special relativistic phenomena. We show that subsystem relativity, in fact, also arises in special relativity with internal frames and, by implying the relativity of simultaneity, constitutes a generalisation of it. Physical consequences of the QRF relativity of subsystems, which we explore here systematically, and the relativity of simultaneity may thus be seen in similar light. We focus on investigating when and how subsystem correlations and entropies, interactions and types of dynamics (open vs. closed), as well as quantum thermodynamical processes change under QRF transformations. We show that thermal equilibrium is generically QRF relative and find that, remarkably, QRF transformations not only can change a subsystem temperature, but even map positive into negative temperature states. We further examine how non-equilibrium notions of heat and work exchange, as well as entropy production and flow depend on the QRF. Along the way, we develop the first study of how reduced subsystem states transform under QRF changes. Focusing on physical insights, we restrict to ideal QRFs associated with finite abelian groups. Besides being conducive to rigour, the ensuing finite-dimensional setting is where quantum information-theoretic quantities and quantum thermodynamics are best developed. We anticipate, however, that our results extend qualitatively to more general groups and frames, and even to subsystems in gauge theory and gravity. [abridged]
This paper has not been read by Pith yet.
Forward citations
Cited by 9 Pith papers
-
Gauss law codes and vacuum codes from lattice gauge theories
Gauss law codes identify the full gauge-invariant sector as the code space while vacuum codes restrict to the matter vacuum, with the two shown to be unitarily equivalent for finite gauge groups.
-
Gravitational null rays: Covariant Quantization and the Dressing Time
Gravitational null rays are quantized in a diffeomorphism-covariant way using the gravitational dressing time as quantum reference frame, producing a Virasoro crossed-product algebra of gauge-invariant observables.
-
Quantum Reference Fields Transformations in Linearized Quantum Gravity
Extends quantum reference frames to quantum reference fields in linearized quantum gravity and derives unitary maps implementing relational gauge-invariant observables between quantum perspectives.
-
Foundations of Relational Quantum Field Theory I: Scalars
A relational quantum field theory for scalars is built from Poincaré-covariant quantum reference frames, yielding local observables and fields that satisfy causality and reproduce key Wightman and Algebraic QFT properties.
-
Error Correction in Lattice Quantum Electrodynamics with Quantum Reference Frames
Lattice QED is established as a quantum error-correcting code beyond stabilizers, with explicit recovery operations constructed via quantum reference frames for gauge and fermionic sectors.
-
Deforming the Double-Scaled SYK & Reaching the Stretched Horizon From Finite Cutoff Holography
Deformations of the double-scaled SYK model via finite-cutoff holography produce Krylov complexity as wormhole length and realize Susskind's stretched horizon proposal through targeted T² deformations in the high-ener...
-
Cosmological Entanglement Entropy from the von Neumann Algebra of Double-Scaled SYK & Its Connection with Krylov Complexity
Algebraic entanglement entropy from type II1 algebras in double-scaled SYK is matched via triple-scaling limits to Ryu-Takayanagi areas in (A)dS2, reproducing Bekenstein-Hawking and Gibbons-Hawking formulas for specif...
-
Localization and anomalous reference frames in gravity
Constructs a phase space for gravitational degrees of freedom on null ray segments with commuting localized observables via edge modes and dressing time, then introduces an effective classical theory with Virasoro def...
-
Quantum Reference Frames and Correlation Geometry
Correlation geometry underlies causal fermion systems by providing a thermodynamic-style description of physical systems that incorporates gauge symmetries and diffeomorphisms via the principle of unitary equivalence.
discussion (0)
Sign in with ORCID, Apple, or X to comment. Anyone can read and Pith papers without signing in.