Quantum Theory from First Principles: An Informational Approach - Hardcover

D'Ariano, Giacomo Mauro; Chiribella, Giulio; Perinotti, Paolo

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1107043425 ISBN 13: 9781107043428

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2017

Synopsis

Quantum theory is the soul of theoretical physics. It is not just a theory of specific physical systems, but rather a new framework with universal applicability. This book shows how we can reconstruct the theory from six information-theoretical principles, by rebuilding the quantum rules from the bottom up. Step by step, the reader will learn how to master the counterintuitive aspects of the quantum world, and how to efficiently reconstruct quantum information protocols from first principles. Using intuitive graphical notation to represent equations, and with shorter and more efficient derivations, the theory can be understood and assimilated with exceptional ease. Offering a radically new perspective on the field, the book contains an efficient course of quantum theory and quantum information for undergraduates. It is aimed at researchers, professionals, and students in physics, computer science and philosophy, as well as the curious outsider seeking a deeper understanding of the theory.

About this title

Review

'An extraordinary book on the deep principles behind quantum theory.' Nicolas Gisin, Université de Genève

'Part quantum mechanics textbook, part original research contribution, this book is a fascinating, audacious effort to 'rebuild quantum mechanics from the ground up', presenting it as the logical consequence of simple information-theoretic postulates. Students wishing to learn quantum information should read it and do all the exercises!' Scott Aaronson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

'From the earliest days of quantum theory to the present, physicists have been pleased with the excellent results it yields but also unsettled (in varying degrees) by the fact that its mathematical forms do not always have clear physical interpretations. Some efforts to resolve this problem in recent decades have focused on replacing mathematical postulates with informational postulates. The authors take this approach here ... [intended for] not just physicists but also mathematicians and computer scientists. The first section, about one-third of the book's length, is flagged by the authors as suitable for an undergraduate course and might well serve so at the highest undergraduate levels ... The two remaining sections are aimed at a master's-level audience; the final section lays out the derivation of quantum theory from six informational principles ... A generous number (more than 200) practice exercises are included, with solutions available for selected problems.' K. D. Fisher, Choice

Book Description

Quantum theory, the soul of theoretical physics, is derived in this book from fundamental principles applicable to any physical system. Explaining how to master the principles, and offering a radically new viewpoint inspired by quantum information, this will be of interest to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the theory.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1107043425
• ISBN 13: 9781107043428
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 356