arXiv · 2511.09494
Picturing general quantum subsystems
Abstract
We extend the usual process-theoretic view on locality and causality in subsystems (based on the tensor product case) to general quantum systems (i.e.\ possibly non-factor, finite-dimensional von Neumann algebras). To do so, we introduce a primitive notion of splitting maps within dagger symmetric monoidal categories. Splitting maps give rise to subsystems that admit comparison via a preorder called comprehension, and support an adaptation of the usual categorical trace. We show that the comprehension preorder precisely captures the inclusion partial order between von Neumann algebras, and that the splitting map trace captures the natural notion of von Neumann algebra trace. As a consequence of the development of these diagrammatic tools, we prove that the known equivalence between semi-causality and semi-localisability for factor subsystems extends to all (including non-factor) subsystems.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Octave Mestoudjian, Matt Wilson, Augustin Vanrietvelde, Pablo Arrighi. 2025-11-12. Picturing general quantum subsystems. https://arxiv.org/abs/2511.09494
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.