Quantum correlations from incomplete classical statistics

TL;DR

This paper develops a framework where incomplete classical statistics can be represented using quantum mechanical concepts, linking local classical observables to quantum operators and explaining quantum phenomena like interference.

Contribution

It introduces a method to encode local classical statistical information into quantum states and operators, bridging classical and quantum descriptions with a focus on incomplete information.

Findings

Classical expectation values can be computed using quantum rules.

Non-commutative products emerge naturally from local classical correlations.

Quantum interference effects are explained within the classical statistical framework.

Abstract

We formulate incomplete classical statistics for situations where the knowledge about the probability distribution outside a local region is limited. The information needed to compute expectation values of local observables can be collected in a quantum mechanical state vector, whereas further statistical information about the probability distribution outside the local region becomes irrelevant. The translation of the available information between neighboring local regions is expressed by a Hamilton operator. A quantum mechanical operator can be associated to each local observable, such that expectation values of ``classical'' observables can be computed by the usual quantum mechanical rules. The requirement that correlation functions should respect equivalence relations for local obeservables induces a non-commutative product in classical statistics, in complete correspondence to the quantum mechanical operator product. We also discuss the issue of interference and the complex structure of quantum mechanics within our classical statistical setting.