Information-theoretic foundation of quantum theory
Quantum theory from binary questions: by assuming that information is acquired through elementary yes–no questions to nature, one is naturally led to the basic probabilistic and algebraic structure of quantum theory.
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Inspired by Wheeler’s idea of “it from bit”, we helped pioneer an information-theoretic approach to quantum theory. Its central premise is that every quantum system carries only a finite amount of information, with an elementary system corresponding to one bit.
From this viewpoint, key features of quantum theory can be understood as consequences of limited information content. Complementarity expresses the trade-off in knowledge between different observables, entanglement reflects the fact that information in composite systems can reside in correlations, and the constancy of total information is mirrored in the unitary nature of quantum dynamics. These ideas led to an information-theoretic reconstruction of quantum theory, deriving its structure from simple physical principles. (see Recontruction of Quantum Mechanics) |
Further reading:
- Č. Brukner and A. Zeilinger, Operationally Invariant Information in Quantum Measurements, Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 3354 (1999)
- Č. Brukner and A. Zeilinger, Information and Fundamental Elements of the Structure of Quantum Theory, in Time, Quantum, Information, edited by L. Castell and O Ischebeck (Springer, 2003) (book / e-print)
- Č. Brukner and A. Zeilinger, Information Invariance and Quantum Probabilities, Found. Phys. 39, 677 (2009).
- Č.Brukner, M. Żukowski, A. Zeilinger, The Essence of Entanglement, in Quantum Arrangements: Contributions in Honor of Michael Horne. Jaeger, G., Simon, D., Sergienko, A. V., Greenberger, D. & Zeilinger, A. (Hrsg.). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, Band 203. S. 117-138 22 S. (Fundamental Theories of Physics, Band 203).