Thermodynamical cost of some interpretations of quantum theory

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that thermodynamic principles can distinguish between two major interpretations of quantum theory, showing that certain assumptions exclude type I interpretations.

Contribution

It proves that, under specific assumptions, thermodynamics can decide between quantum interpretations, challenging the notion that the choice is metaphysical.

Findings

Type I interpretations are incompatible with random measurement choices, limited system memory, and Landauer's principle.

Thermodynamics can be used to differentiate quantum interpretations based on physical assumptions.

The results impose constraints on the plausibility of certain quantum interpretations.

Abstract

The interpretation of quantum theory is one of the longest-standing debates in physics. Type I interpretations see quantum probabilities as determined by intrinsic properties of the observed system. Type II see them as relational experiences between an observer and the system. It is usually believed that a decision between these two options cannot be made simply on purely physical grounds but requires an act of metaphysical judgment. Here we show that, under some assumptions, the problem is decidable using thermodynamics. We prove that type I interpretations are incompatible with the following assumptions: (i) The choice of which measurement is performed can be made randomly and independently of the system under observation, (ii) the system has limited memory, and (iii) Landauer's erasure principle holds.