All reversible dynamics in maximally non-local theories are trivial

TL;DR

This paper proves that in maximally non-local theories, all reversible dynamics are trivial, meaning they cannot generate or manipulate non-local correlations beyond local operations and permutations.

Contribution

It completely characterizes all reversible transformations in maximally non-local theories, showing they are limited to local operations and permutations, with no entangling dynamics.

Findings

Reversible dynamics in such theories are trivial.

No creation or manipulation of non-local correlations is possible.

Classical simulation of these processes is efficient.

Abstract

A remarkable feature of quantum theory is non-locality (i.e. the presence of correlations which violate Bell inequalities). However, quantum correlations are not maximally non-local, and it is natural to ask whether there are compelling reasons for rejecting theories in which stronger violations are possible. To shed light on this question, we consider post-quantum theories in which maximally non-local states (non-local boxes) occur. It has previously been conjectured that the set of dynamical transformations possible in such theories is severely limited. We settle the question affirmatively in the case of reversible dynamics, by completely characterizing all such transformations allowed in this setting. We find that the dynamical group is trivial, in the sense that it is generated solely by local operations and permutations of systems. In particular, no correlations can ever be created; non-local boxes cannot be prepared from product states (in other words, no analogues of entangling unitary operations exist), and classical computers can efficiently simulate all such processes.