Must the State |O,ready> Be Orthogonal to |O,reads up> and |O,reads down>?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that the quantum state |O,ready> must be orthogonal to the states |O,reads up> and |O,reads down> for the measurement ansatz to hold true. The mathematical derivation illustrates that if |O,ready> is expressed as a linear combination of |O,reads up> and |O,reads down>, it leads to an entangled state that cannot satisfy the required conditions of the measurement. Therefore, the orthogonality condition is essential for maintaining the integrity of the quantum measurement framework.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum states and notation, specifically Dirac notation.
  • Familiarity with the concept of orthogonality in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of entangled states and their implications in quantum measurements.
  • Basic grasp of Hamiltonians and their role in quantum state evolution.
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  • Study the implications of orthogonality in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the concept of entangled states in greater detail.
  • Learn about the role of Hamiltonians in quantum state evolution.
  • Investigate measurement theory in quantum mechanics, focusing on the measurement ansatz.
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This discussion is beneficial for quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers focusing on quantum measurement theory and entanglement. It provides insights into the foundational principles governing quantum state interactions.

deneve
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In the measurement ansatz below, must the state |O,ready> be orthogonal to |O,reads up> and |O,reads down>]?

|+x> |O,ready> =1/(sqrt2)[|+z> + |-z>] |O,ready> (1)

---------→ 1/(sqrt2)[|+z> + |-z>] |O,ready> (2)


--------→ 1/(sqrt2)[|+z>|O,reads up> + |-z>|O,reads down>] (3)


If |O,ready> = [a|O,reads up> + b|O,reads down>] was applied to (2) then it would give an entangled state and if a,b were functions of time then a suitable a and b can't be found that a hamiltonian could reach since

1/(sqrt2)[|+z> + |-z>] |O,ready>
= 1/(sqrt2)[|+z> + |-z>] [a|O,reads up> + b|O,reads down>]

=1/(sqrt2)(a|+z>|O,reads up>+b|+z>|O,reads down>+a|-z>|O,reads up>+b|-z|O,reads down>) which cannot equal (3) for any a,b.

Am I correct here?
Many thanks for any help
 
Last edited:
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.Yes, you are correct. The state |O,ready> must be orthogonal to both |O,reads up> and |O,reads down> in order for the measurement ansatz to be valid.
 

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