arXiv subjects

Tom Imbo

Publications and source records attributed to Tom Imbo.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2016

Irreducible Truth-Value Algebras Suffice for the Completeness of Many First-Order Algebraic Logics

It is well-known that a Hilbert-style deduction system for first-order classical logic is sound and complete for a model theory built using all Boolean algebras as truth-value algebras if and only if it is sound and complete for a model theory utilizing only irreducible Boolean algebras (which are all isomorphic to the two-element Boolean algebra). In this paper, we prove an analogous result for any first-order logic with an algebraic semantics satisfying certain minimal assumptions, and we then apply our result to first-order quantum logic.

math.LO↗

arXiv2014

A Generalization of the Functional Calculus of Observables and Notion of Joint Measurability to the Case of Non-commuting Observables

For any pair of bounded observables $A$ and $B$ with pure point spectra, we construct an associated "joint observable" which gives rise to a notion of a joint (projective) measurement of $A$ and $B$, and which conforms to the intuition that one can measure non-commuting observables simultaneously, provided one is willing to give up arbitrary precision. As an application, we show how our notion of a joint observable naturally allows for a construction of a "functional calculus," so that for any pair of observables $A$ and $B$ as above, and any (Borel measurable) function $f: \mathbb{R}^2 \rightarrow \mathbb{R}$, a new "generalized observable" $f(A,B)$ is obtained. Moreover, we show that this new functional calculus has some rather remarkable properties.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2012

Bott Periodicity and Realizations of Chiral Symmetry in Arbitrary Dimensions

We compute the chiral symmetries of the Lagrangian for confining "vector-like" gauge theories with massless fermions in $d$-dimensional Minkowski space and, under a few reasonable assumptions, determine the form of the quadratic fermion condensates which arise through spontaneous breaking of these symmetries. We find that for each type (complex, real, or pseudoreal) of representation of the gauge group carried by the fermions, the chiral symmetries of the Lagrangian, as well as the residual symmetries after dynamical breaking, exactly follow the pattern of Bott periodicity as the dimension changes. The consequences of this for the topological features of the low-energy effective theory are considered.

hep-th↗

arXiv2010

Discontinuous quantum evolutions in the presence of closed timelike curves

We consider Deutsch's computational model of a quantum system evolving in a spacetime containing closed timelike curves. Although it is known that this model predicts non-linear and non-unitary evolutions of the system, we demonstrate that it also gives rise to evolutions which are a discontinuous function of the input state. These discontinuities persist for the most natural modifications of Deutsch's approach.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2004

Topologically Alice Strings and Monopoles

Symmetry breaking can produce ``Alice'' strings, which alter scattered charges and carry monopole number and charge when twisted into loops. Alice behavior arises algebraically, when strings obstruct unbroken symmetries -- a fragile criterion. We give a topological criterion, compelling Alice behavior or deforming it away. Our criterion, that π_o(H) acts nontrivially on π_1(H), links topologically Alice strings to topological monopoles. We twist topologically Alice loops to form monopoles. We show that Alice strings of condensed matter systems (nematic liquid crystals, helium 3A, and related non-chiral Bose condensates and amorphous chiral superconductors) are topologically Alice, and support fundamental monopole charge when twisted into loops. Thus they might be observed indirectly, not as strings, but as loop-like point defects. We describe other models, showing Alice strings failing our topological criterion; and twisted Alice loops supporting deposited, but not fundamental, monopole number.

hep-th↗

arXiv2004

Enscription of Quantum Texts

We investigate an entangled deformation of the deterministic quantum cloning process, called enscription, that can be applied to (certain) sets of distinct quantum states which are not necessarily orthogonal, called texts. Some basic theorems on enscribable texts are given, and a relationship to probabilistic quantum cloning is demonstrated.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2004

Translation of Quantum Texts

In the companion to this paper, we described a generalization of the deterministic quantum cloning process, called enscription, which utilizes entanglement in order to achieve the "copying" of (certain) sets of distinct quantum states which are not orthogonal, called texts. Here we provide a further generalization, called translation, which allows us to completely determine all translatable texts, and which displays an intimate relationship to the mathematical theory of graphs.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2003

A Topological Criterion for Alice Strings

hep-th↗

arXiv2003

Twisted Alice Loops as Monopoles

Symmetry breaking can produce ``Alice'' strings, which alter scattered charges and carry monopole number and charge when twisted into loops. We apply recent topological results, fixing Alice strings' stability and prescribing their twisting into loops with monopole charge, to several models. We show that Alice strings of condensed matter systems (nematic liquid crystals, He-3A, and related systems of non-chiral Bose condensates and amorphous chiral superconductors) are topologically Alice, and carry fundamental monopole charge when twisted into loops. They might thus be observed indirectly, not as strings, but as loop-like point defects. Other models yield Alice loops that carry only deposited, and not fundamental, charge.

hep-th↗