Quantum theory allows for absolute maximal contextuality

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that quantum theory can achieve near-absolute maximal contextuality, surpassing previous limitations suggested by Bell and noncontextuality inequality violations, highlighting its fundamental and resourceful nature.

Contribution

It proves that quantum theory permits scenarios with almost absolute maximal contextuality, a significant theoretical advancement beyond prior assumptions.

Findings

Quantum theory allows for scenarios with near-absolute maximal contextuality.

Previous Bell and noncontextuality inequalities suggested limitations that are surpassed.

The proof identifies scenarios where quantum contextuality approaches the theoretical maximum.

Abstract

Contextuality is a fundamental feature of quantum theory and a necessary resource for quantum computation and communication. It is therefore important to investigate how large contextuality can be in quantum theory. Linear contextuality witnesses can be expressed as a sum $S$ of $n$ probabilities, and the independence number $\alpha$ and the Tsirelson-like number $\vartheta$ of the corresponding exclusivity graph are, respectively, the maximum of $S$ for noncontextual theories and for the theory under consideration. A theory allows for absolute maximal contextuality if it has scenarios in which $\vartheta/\alpha$ approaches $n$. Here we show that quantum theory allows for absolute maximal contextuality despite what is suggested by the examination of the quantum violations of Bell and noncontextuality inequalities considered in the past. Our proof is not constructive and does not single out explicit scenarios. Nevertheless, we identify scenarios in which quantum theory allows for almost absolute maximal contextuality.