arXiv subjects

Jianhao M. Yang

Publications and source records attributed to Jianhao M. Yang.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Quantizing gravitational fields with an entropy-corrected action principle

A variational framework for the quantization of gravitational fields is developed based on an extension of the stationary action principle. Within this framework, the Wheeler-DeWitt equation for the gravitational wave functional is recovered without assuming operator promotion of the canonical momentum, thus avoiding the ambiguity of operator ordering in canonical quantization. The derivation is based on three main ingredients. First, motivated by information-theoretic considerations, the classical stationary action principle is generalized by incorporating a correction term constructed from the relative entropy associated with field fluctuations. Second, an ensemble formulation on superspace is enhanced to incorporate this entropy correction. Third, the formalism is further refined to provide a unified treatment of quantization and constraints, thereby addressing the long-standing ambiguity concerning the ordering of quantization and constraint reduction. The framework is then applied to gravitational fields coupled to a massless scalar field. Using an emergent time parameter defined via the rate equation of the gravitational fields, a Schrodinger equation for the scalar-field wave functional is recovered, supplemented by an additional quantum correction term suppressed at order $G\hbar^2$. Finally, we comment on possible connections between the notion of relative entropy employed here and holographic dualities in quantum gravity.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Simultaneous Quantization and Reduction of Constrained Systems

We present a novel framework for quantizing constrained quantum systems in which the processes of quantization and constraint enforcement are performed simultaneously. The approach is based on an extension of the stationary action principle, incorporating an information-theoretic term arising from vacuum fluctuations. Constraints are included directly in the Lagrangian via Lagrange multipliers, allowing the subsequent variational procedure to yield the quantum dynamics without ambiguity regarding the order of quantization and reduction. We demonstrate the method through two examples: (i) a one-dimensional system with vanishing local momentum, where the simultaneous approach produces the time-independent Schrödinger equation while conventional reduced and Dirac quantization yield only trivial states, and (ii) a bipartite system with global translational invariance, where all three methods agree. These results show that the proposed framework generalizes standard quantization schemes and provides a consistent treatment of systems with constraints that cannot be expressed as linear operators acting on the wave function. In addition to a unified variational principle for constrained quantum systems, the formalism also offers an information-theoretic perspective on quantum effects arising from vacuum fluctuations.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Quantum Mechanics Based on an Extended Least Action Principle and Information Metrics of Vacuum Fluctuations

We show that the formulations of non-relativistic quantum mechanics can be derived from an extended least action principle. The principle extends the least action principle from classical mechanics by factoring in two assumptions. First, the Planck constant defines the minimal amount of action a physical system needs to exhibit during its dynamics in order to be observable. Second, there is constant vacuum fluctuation along a classical trajectory. A novel method is introduced to define the information metrics to measure additional observability due to vacuum fluctuations, which is then converted to an additional action through the first assumption. Applying the variational principle to minimize the total actions allows us to recover the basic quantum formulations including the uncertainty relation and the Schrödinger equation in the position representation. The extended least action principle brings in new results on two fronts. At the conceptual level, we find that the information metrics for vacuum fluctuations are responsible for the origin of the Bohm quantum potential. Even though the Bohm potential for a bipartite system is inseparable, the underlying vacuum fluctuations are local. Thus, inseparability of the Bohm potential does not justify a non-local causal relation between the two subsystems. At the mathematical level, quantifying the information metrics for vacuum fluctuations using more general definitions of relative entropy results in a generalized Schrödinger equation that depends on the order of relative entropy. The extended least action principle is a new mathematical tool that can be applied to derive other quantum formalisms such as quantum scalar field theory

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Quantum Scalar Field Theory Based on the Extended Least Action Principle

Recently it is shown that the non-relativistic quantum formulations can be derived from a least observability principle [36]. In this paper, we apply the principle to massive scalar fields, and derive the Schrödinger equation of the wave functional for the scalar fields. The principle extends the least action principle in classical field theory by factoring in two assumptions. First, the Planck constant defines the minimal amount of action a field needs to exhibit in order to be observable. Second, there are constant random field fluctuations. A novel method is introduced to define the information metrics to measure additional observable information due to the field fluctuations, \added{which is then converted to the additional action through the first assumption.} Applying the variation principle to minimize the total actions allows us to elegantly derive the transition probability of field fluctuations, the uncertainty relation, and the Schrödinger equation of the wave functional. Furthermore, by defining the information metrics for field fluctuations using general definitions of relative entropy, we obtain a generalized Schrödinger equation of the wave functional that depends on the order of relative entropy. Our results demonstrate that the extended least action principle can be applied to derive both non-relativistic quantum mechanics and relativistic quantum scalar field theory. We expect it can be further used to obtain quantum theory for non-scalar fields.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Alternative Framework to Quantize Fermionic Fields

A variational framework is developed here to quantize fermionic fields based on the extended stationary action principle. From the first principle, we successfully derive the well-known Floreanini-Jackiw representation of the Schrödinger equation for the wave functional of fermionic fields - an equation typically introduced as a postulate in standard canonical quantization. The derivation is accomplished through three key contributions. At the conceptual level, the classical stationary action principle is augmented to include a correction term based on the relative entropy arising from field fluctuations. Then, an extended canonical transformation for fermionic fields is formulated that leads to the quantum version of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation in a form consistent with the Floreanini-Jackiw representation; Third, necessary functional calculus with Grassmann-valued field variables is developed for the variation procedure. The quantized Hamiltonian can generate the Poincaré algebra, thus satisfying the symmetry requirements of special relativity. Concrete calculation of the probability of particle creation for the fermionic field under the influence of constant external field confirms that the results agree with those using standard canonical quantization. We also show that the framework can be applied to develop theories of interaction between fermionic fields and other external fields such as electromagnetic fields, non-Abelian gauge fields, or another fermionic field. These results further establish that the present variational framework is a novel alternative to derive quantum field theories.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Spin Theory Based on the Extended Least Action Principle and Information Metrics: Quantization, Entanglement, and Bell Test With Time Delay

Quantum theory of electron spin is developed here based on the extended least action principle and assumptions of intrinsic angular momentum of an electron with random orientations. The novelty of the formulation is the introduction of relative entropy for the random orientations of intrinsic angular momentum when extremizing the total actions. Applying recursively this extended least action principle, we show that the quantization of electron spin is a mathematical consequence when the order of relative entropy approaches a limit. In addition, the formulation of the measurement probability when a second Stern-Gerlach apparatus is rotated relative to the first Stern-Gerlach apparatus, and the Schrödinger-Pauli equation, are recovered successfully. Furthermore, the principle allows us to provide an intuitive physical model and formulation to explain the entanglement phenomenon between two electron spins. In this model, spin entanglement is the consequence of the correlation between the random orientations of the intrinsic angular momenta of the two electrons. Since spin orientation is an intrinsic local property of the electron, the correlation of spin orientations can be preserved and manifested even when the two electrons are remotely separated. The entanglement of a spin singlet state is represented by two joint probability density functions that reflect the orientation correlation. Using these joint probability density functions, we prove that the Bell-CHSH inequality is violated in a Bell test. To test the validity of the spin-entanglement model, a Bell test experiment with time delay is proposed. As the time delay increases, we predict that the Bell-CHSH inequality changes from being violated to non-violated.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

On the Preservation and Manifestation of Quantum Entanglement

Bell experiments have confirmed that quantum entanglement is an inseparable correlation but there is no faster-than-light influence between two entangled particles when a local measurement is performed. However, how such an inseparable correlation is maintained and manifested when the two entangled particle are space-like separated is still not well understood. The recently proposed extended least action principle for quantum mechanics brings new insights to this question. By applying this principle, we show here that even though the inseparable correlation may be initially created by previous physical interaction between the two particles, the preservation and manifestation of such inseparable correlation are achieved through extremizing an information metric that measures the additional observable information of the bipartite system due to vacuum fluctuations. This is physically realized even though there is no further interaction when the two particles move apart, and the underlying vacuum fluctuations are local. In other words, the propagation of inseparable correlation in quantum theory is realized by an information requirement and through a local mechanism. An example of two entangled free particles described by Gaussian wave packets is provided to illustrate these results.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Law of Total Probability in Quantum Theory and Its Application in Wigner's Friend Scenario

It is well-known that the law of total probability does not hold in general in quantum theory. However, the recent arguments on some of the fundamental assumptions in quantum theory based on the extended Wigner's Friend scenario show a need to clarify how the law of total probability should be formulated in quantum theory and under what conditions it still holds. In this work, the definition of conditional probability in quantum theory is extended to POVM measurements. Rule to assign two-time conditional probability is proposed for incompatible POVM operators, which leads to a more general and precise formulation of the law of total probability. Sufficient conditions under which the law of total probability holds are identified. Applying the theory developed here to analyze several quantum no-go theorems related to the extended Wigner's friend scenario reveals logical loopholes in these no-go theorems. The loopholes exist as a consequence of taking for granted the validity of the law of total probability without verifying the sufficient conditions. Consequently, the contradictions in these no-go theorems only reconfirm the invalidity of the law of total probability in quantum theory, rather than invalidating the physical statements that the no-go theorems attempt to refute.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Variational Principle for Stochastic Mechanics Based on Information Measures

Stochastic mechanics is regarded as a physical theory to explain quantum mechanics with classical terms such that some of the quantum mechanics paradoxes can be avoided. Here we propose a new variational principle to uncover more insights on stochastic mechanics. According to this principle, information measures, such as relative entropy and Fisher information, are imposed as constraints on top of the least action principle. This principle not only recovers Nelson's theory and consequently, the Schrödinger equation, but also clears an unresolved issue in stochastic mechanics on why multiple Lagrangians can be used in the variational method and yield the same theory. The concept of forward and backward paths provides an intuitive physical picture for stochastic mechanics. Each path configuration is considered as a degree of freedom and has its own law of dynamics. Thus, the variation principle proposed here can be a new tool to derive more advanced stochastic theory by including additional degrees of freedom in the theory. The structure of Lagrangian developed here shows that some terms in the Lagrangian are originated from information constraints. This suggests a Lagrangian may need to include both physical and informational terms in order to have a complete description of the dynamics of a physical system.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Quantum Mechanics from Relational Properties, Part II: Measurement and EPR

Quantum measurement and quantum operation theory is developed here by taking the relational properties among quantum systems, instead of the independent properties of a quantum system, as the most fundamental elements. By studying how the relational probability amplitude matrix is transformed and how mutual information is exchanged during measurement, we derive the formulation that is mathematically equivalent to the traditional quantum measurement theory. More importantly, the formulation results in significant conceptual consequences. We show that for a given quantum system, it is possible to describe its time evolution without explicitly calling out a reference system. However, description of a quantum measurement must be explicitly relative. Traditional quantum mechanics assumes a super observer who can instantaneously know the measurement results from any location. For a composite system consists space-like separated subsystems, the assumption of super observer must be abandoned and the relational formulation of quantum measurement becomes necessary. This is confirmed in the resolution of EPR paradox. Information exchange is relative to a local observer in quantum mechanics. Different local observers can achieve consistent descriptions of a quantum system if they are synchronized on the information regarding outcomes from any measurement performed on the system. It is suggested that the synchronization of measurement results from different observers is a necessary step when combining quantum mechanics with the relativity theory.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Quantum Mechanics from Relational Properties, Part I: Basic Formulation

Non-relativistic quantum mechanics is reformulated here based on the idea that relational properties among quantum systems, instead of the independent properties of a quantum system, are the most fundamental elements to construct quantum mechanics. This idea, combining with the emphasis that measurement of a quantum system is a bidirectional interaction process, leads to a new framework to calculate the probability of an outcome when measuring a quantum system. In this framework, the most basic variable is the relational probability amplitude. Probability is calculated as summation of weights from the potential alternative measurement configurations. The properties of quantum systems, such as superposition and entanglement, are manifested through the rules of counting the alternatives. Wave function and reduced density matrix are derived from the relational probability amplitude matrix. They are found to be secondary mathematical tools that equivalently describe a quantum system without explicitly calling out the measuring system. Schrödinger Equation is obtained when there is no entanglement in the relational probability amplitude matrix. Feynman Path Integral is used to calculate the relational probability amplitude, and is further generalized to formulate the reduced density matrix. In essence, quantum mechanics is reformulated as a theory that describes physical systems in terms of relational properties.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Quantum Mechanics from Relational Properties, Part III: Path Integral Implementation

Relational formulation of quantum mechanics is based on the idea that relational properties among quantum systems, instead of the independent properties of a quantum system, are the most fundamental elements to construct quantum mechanics. In a recent paper (J. M. Yang, Sci. Rep. 8:13305, 2018), basic relational quantum mechanics framework is formulated to derive quantum probability, Born's Rule, Schrödinger Equations, and measurement theory. This paper further extends the reformulation effort in three aspects. First, it gives a clearer explanation of the key concepts behind the framework to calculate measurement probability. Second, we provide a concrete implementation of the relational probability amplitude by extending the path integral formulation. The implementation not only clarifies the physical meaning of the relational probability amplitude, but also allows us to elegantly explain the double slit experiment, to describe the interaction history between the measured system and a series of measuring systems, and to calculate entanglement entropy based on path integral and influence functional. In return, the implementation brings back new insight to path integral itself by completing the explanation on why measurement probability can be calculated as modulus square of probability amplitude. Lastly, we clarify the connection between our reformulation and the quantum reference frame theory. A complete relational formulation of quantum mechanics needs to combine the present works with the quantum reference frame theory.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Quantum Entanglement Induced by Gravitational Potential

The purpose of this study is to calculate the entanglement measure for a bipartite system where the two subsystems interact via a central potential, and more importantly, to analyze the conceptual implication in the case of gravitational potential. Through numerical calculation, we confirm that the ground state of such quantum system is an entangled state. This raises a question whether a quantum ground state describing masses interacting through gravity can ever be a separable state. Entanglement seems to be an intrinsic characteristic for the ground state when mutual gravitational interaction is involved. Although the study is in the context of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, it provides hints for a quantum gravity theory in the limit of very weak field and low relative velocity. The entanglement of the ground state of two masses seems intrinsically connecting to the curvature of spacetime they create.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Switching Quantum Reference Frames for Quantum Measurement

Physical observation is made relative to a reference frame which is essentially a quantum system. Thus, a quantum system must be described relative to a quantum reference frame (QRF). Further requirements on QRF include using only relational observables and not assuming the existence of external reference frame. To address these requirements, two approaches are proposed in the literature. The first one is an operational approach (F. Giacomini, et al, Nat. Comm. 10:494, 2019) which focuses on the quantization of transformation between QRFs. The second approach attempts to derive the quantum transformation between QRFs from first principles (A. Vanrietvelde, et al, \textit{Quantum} 4:225, 2020). Such first principle approach describes physical systems as symmetry induced constrained Hamiltonian systems. The Dirac quantization of such systems before removing redundancy is interpreted as perspective-neutral description. Then, a systematic redundancy reduction procedure is introduced to derive description from perspective of a QRF. The first principle approach recovers some of the results from the operational approach, but not yet include an important part of a quantum theory - the measurement theory. This paper is intended to bridge the gap. We show that the von Neumann quantum measurement theory can be embedded into the perspective-neutral framework. This allows us to successfully recover the results found in the operational approach, with the advantage that the transformation operator can be derived from the first principle. In addition, the formulation presented here reveals several interesting conceptual insights. For instance, the projection operation in measurement needs to be performed after redundancy reduction. These results represent one step forward in understanding how quantum measurement should be formulated when the reference frame is also a quantum system.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Consistent Descriptions of Quantum Measurement

The Wigner's friend type of thought experiments manifest the conceptual challenge on how different observers can have consistent descriptions of a quantum measurement event. In this paper, we analyze the extended version of Wigner's friend thought experiment (Frauchiger and Renner, Nature Comm. 3711, 9 (2018)) in detail and show that the reasoning process from each agent that leads to the no-go theorem is inconsistent. The inconsistency is with respect to the requirement that an agent should make use of updated information instead of outdated information. We then apply the relational formulation of quantum measurement to resolve the inconsistent descriptions from different agents. In relational formulation of quantum mechanics, a measurement is described relative to an observer. Synchronization of measurement result is a necessary requirement to achieve consistent descriptions of a quantum system from different observers. Thought experiments, including EPR, Wigner's Friend and it extended version, confirm the necessity of relational formulation of quantum measurement when applying quantum mechanics to composite system with entangled but space-like separated subsystems.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Probabilistic Quantum Teleportation

Teleporation with partially entangled quantum channel cannot achieve unit fidelity and unit probability. We show that the conditions for faithful teleportation of a pure state or a mixed state can be described by the same general relation $ρ_{q}ρ_{m} = pI$, where $ρ_{q}$ is the reduced density matrix of the quantum channel, $ρ_{m}$ is the reduced density matrix of the measurement basis, and $p$ is the probability of faithful teleportaion. We investigate the invariance of faithful teleportation conditions under unitary transformation. These results not only bring new insights to the probabilistic quantum teleportation theory, but also offer operational significance in that a simple procedure is provided to find out the faithful teleportaiton probability and the matching measurement basis for any partially entangled quantum channel.

quant-ph↗