Definition of bi-local measurement by Masanes et al.

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the concept of bi-local measurement as defined by Masanes et al. in their paper "Masanes, Galley, Müller" (2018). The bi-local measurement is represented mathematically as \( (f \ast g)(\psi \otimes \phi) = f(\psi) g(\phi) \), which raises concerns regarding its implications for entangled states. The user expresses confusion over whether this definition applies to entangled systems, suggesting that it may only hold for unentangled (product) states. The discussion concludes with a reference to Equation (16) in the paper, which may clarify the behavior of bi-local measurements in the context of entangled states.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics concepts, particularly entanglement
  • Familiarity with the mathematical representation of quantum states and measurements
  • Knowledge of probability functions in quantum mechanics
  • Experience with the paper "Masanes, Galley, Müller" and its definitions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of bi-local measurements on entangled states in quantum mechanics
  • Examine the mathematical derivation of Equation (16) in the paper for clarity on entangled states
  • Research the concept of local operational probability functions (OPF) in quantum measurement theory
  • Explore additional literature on measurement theory in quantum mechanics to deepen understanding
USEFUL FOR

Researchers, physicists, and students in quantum mechanics, particularly those interested in measurement theory and the implications of entanglement on measurement outcomes.

Sonderval
Messages
234
Reaction score
11
Dear experts,
I'm currently working my way through the paper Masanes, Galley, Müller, https://arxiv.org/abs/1811.11060.
On page 3, they define what they call a bi-local measurement: If we have two systems a and b and we define an outcome probability function for some measurement f on system a and g on system b, the pair of measurements can be represented by a product
$$ (f \ast g) (\psi \otimes \phi) = f(\psi) g(\phi)$$
I find this very confusing because it seems to me to deny the possibility of entanglement: If the two states ##\psi## and ##\phi## are entangled (for example, two electrons entangled so that their spin is always the same), I think this statement does not hold anymore. (Probability for first electron to measure up could be 0.5, probability for second to measure down could also be 0.5, but combined probability would be zero.)
Probably I'm mis-interpreting something in the paper, but I have no idea where my mistake lies.
Any help is appreciated.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: atyy
Physics news on Phys.org
Would it make sense if a bi-local measurement is defined on unentangled (product) states, and that condition with the other postulates is sufficient to determine how a bi-local measurement behaves for entangled states?

Thus (?) to apply the bi-local measurement to an entangled state, one would write the entangled state as a sum of product states, then apply the definition to each product state.

Edit: If you look at Eq (16), it looks like the correct result for entangled states can be derived from their assumptions.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Sonderval
@atyy
Thanks. Yes, I suspect you're right and that this is what is more or less implied by the qualifier "local OPF", but at least to me it is not very clearly stated.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K
  • · Replies 120 ·
5
Replies
120
Views
10K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K