Reconstructing quantum theory from its possibilistic operational formalism

TL;DR

This paper reconstructs quantum theory using a possibilistic operational formalism based on Chu duality, axioms, and orthogonality relations, providing a semantic foundation for quantum phenomena from an operational perspective.

Contribution

It introduces a novel possibilistic semantic formalism for quantum phenomena, reconstructing quantum theory from operational axioms and orthogonality structures.

Findings

Characterizes the space of states as a projective domain.

Defines an orthogonality relation on states leading to a Hilbert lattice.

Shows symmetries preserve orthogonality and minimally disturbing measurements.

Abstract

We develop a possibilistic semantic formalism for quantum phenomena from an operational perspective. This semantic system is based on a Chu duality between preparation processes and yes/no tests, the target space being a three-valued set equipped with an informational interpretation. A basic set of axioms is introduced for the space of states. This basic set of axioms suffices to constrain the space of states to be a projective domain. The subset of pure states is then characterized within this domain structure. After having specified the notions of properties and measurements, we explore the notion of compatibility between measurements and of minimally disturbing measurements. We achieve the characterization of the domain structure on the space of states by requiring the existence of a scheme of discriminating yes/no tests, necessary condition for the construction of an orthogonality relation on the space of states. This last requirement about the space of states constrain the corresponding projective domain to be ortho-complemented. An orthogonality relation is then defined on the space of states and its properties are studied. Equipped with this relation, the ortho-poset of ortho-closed subsets of pure states inherits naturally a structure of Hilbert lattice. Finally, the symmetries of the system are characterized as a general subclass of Chu morphisms. We prove that these Chu symmetries preserve the class of minimally disturbing measurements and the orthogonality relation between states. These symmetries lead naturally to the ortho-morphisms of Hilbert lattice defined on the set of ortho-closed subsets of pure states.