Breakdown of the classical description of a local system

Details Breakdown of the classical description of a local system Breakdown of the classical description of a local system

2011-10-13

arxiv.org/abs/1110.3060v2

Physics

Quantum Physics

5 pages, 2 figures

Scientific paper

We provide a straightforward demonstration of a fundamental difference between classical and quantum mechanics for a single local system; namely the absence of a joint probability distribution of the position $x$ and momentum $p$. Elaborating on a recently reported criterion by Bednorz and Belzig [Phys. Rev. A {\bf 83}, 52113] we derive a simple criterion that must be fulfilled for any joint probability distribution in classical physics. We demonstrate the violation of this criterion using homodyne measurement of a single photon state, thus proving a straightforward signature of the breakdown of a classical description of the underlying state. Most importantly, the criterion used does not rely on quantum mechanics and can thus be used to demonstrate non-classicality of systems not immediately apparent to exhibit quantum behavior. The criterion is directly applicable any system described by the continuous canonical variables x and p, such as a mechanical or an electrical oscillator and a collective spin of a large ensemble.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Breakdown of the classical description of a local system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Breakdown of the classical description of a local system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Breakdown of the classical description of a local system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-521513