Averaging Initial & Endstates in Trace Formula

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the averaging of initial and end states in quantum mechanics, particularly in the context of the trace formula. Participants explore the formulation of density matrices, specifically how to represent the initial state as a mixed state when averaging results from repeated experiments. The conversation highlights the use of density matrices, denoted as ##\rho=\sum_i p_i|\phi_i\rangle\langle\phi_i|##, where ##p_i## represents probabilities derived from the initial state ##\rho_{init}##. The implications of applying the Copenhagen interpretation to Bell-type experiments are also examined, leading to the conclusion that the initial pure state results in mixed state statistics upon measurement.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and density matrices
  • Familiarity with the trace formula in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics
  • Experience with Bell-type experiments in quantum physics
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  • Study the derivation and applications of the trace formula in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the construction and interpretation of density matrices in quantum systems
  • Explore the implications of the Copenhagen interpretation on quantum measurements
  • Investigate Bell-type experiments and their significance in quantum entanglement
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Quantum physicists, researchers in quantum mechanics, and students studying advanced quantum theory will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the mathematical foundations of quantum state averaging and measurement outcomes.

jk22
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Basically the question is : since the experiments are repeated and results averaged, should not initial and endstates be mixed states ?

So now we should give two density matrices, so how do we average like in the trace formula : ##\langle A\rangle=tr(\rho A)## ?

Is it ##\rho=\sum_i p_i|\phi_i\rangle\langle\phi_i|## with ##p_i=\langle\phi_i\underbrace{|\Psi\rangle\langle\Psi|}_{\rho_{init}?}\phi_i\rangle##

So that now ##\rho_{init}## were the initial density matrix and hence shall be written as one of a mixed state too with now unknow probabilities ?
 
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If your initial state changes from repetition to repetition that sounds like a possible approach.
You average over the initial state and sum over all final states you consider to be the same outcome.
 
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Hence if we consider a Bell type experiment and we apply the Copenhagen interpretation, then ##\langle\Psi|A\otimes B|\Psi\rangle## is for 1 photon output for Psi the singlet state.

But the formula ##\sum_i A(a,\lambda_i)B(b,\lambda_i)## would in fact mean an average about several photon output. Thus the quantum system has a pure state initially and the measured end statistics would correspond to a mixed state ?
 

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