A new perspective on CP and T violation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a highly general framework for interpreting CP and T violation experiments that does not rely on traditional quantum mechanics formalism, potentially applicable even if quantum mechanics is replaced.

Contribution

It presents a novel, broad framework for understanding CP and T violation that remains valid beyond standard quantum mechanics.

Findings

Framework does not require Hilbert space or linear operators

Allows interpretation of CP and T violation experiments in a general setting

Remains applicable if quantum mechanics is replaced by a new paradigm

Abstract

It is shown that the results of CP and T violation experiments can be interpreted using a very general framework that does not require a Hilbert space of states or linear operators to represent the symmetries or dynamics. Analysis within this general framework brings out the aspects of quantum mechanics that are essential for this interpretation. More importantly, should quantum mechanics be eventually replaced by a new paradigm, this framework could \emph{still} be used to establish violation of CP and T invariance from the already known experimental results. This work arose as a `formal response' to a talk "Three Merry Roads to T-Violation" by Dr. Bryan Roberts [1]. Both talks were given at a "Workshop on Cosmology and Time" held at Penn State in April 2013, which brought together physicists and philosophers of science.