What are the observable effects of the physical properties of a quantum system?

TL;DR

This paper explores how the physical properties of quantum systems influence observable outcomes, emphasizing the importance of initial and final conditions in interpreting eigenstates and eigenvalues.

Contribution

It clarifies the relationship between experimental results and the physical properties of quantum systems, challenging traditional interpretations of eigenstates and eigenvalues.

Findings

Physical properties depend on initial and final conditions.

Eigenstates and eigenvalues are not exclusive realities.

Quantitative relations are crucial for understanding physical effects.

Abstract

In recent work (Nii et al., arXiv:1603.06291; Iinuma et al., Phys. Rev. A 93, 032104 (2016)(arXiv:1510.03958)) we have studied the relation between experimental outcomes and the physical properties represented by Hilbert space operators of a quantum system. We find that the values of physical properties are determined by the combination of initial and final conditions, which means that eigenstates and eigenvalues should not be misinterpreted as an exclusive set of possible realities. Here, we discuss the practical implications of these results and point out the importance of quantitative relations for a proper understanding of physical effects.