Multipath and Multiparticle Tests of Complex versus Hypercomplex Quantum Theory
Saruhan Eİ, von Zanthier J, Pleinert MO (2025)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2025
Journal
Book Volume: 134
Article Number: 060201
Journal Issue: 6
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.060201
Abstract
The axioms of quantum mechanics provide limited information regarding the structure of the Hilbert space, such as the underlying number system. The latter is generally regarded as complex, but generalizations of complex numbers, so-called hypercomplex numbers, cannot be ruled out in theory. Therefore, specialized experiments to test for hypercomplex quantum mechanics are needed. To date, experimental tests are limited to single-particle interference exploiting a closed phase relation in a three-path interferometer called the Peres test. The latter distinguishes complex quantum mechanics from quaternionic quantum mechanics. Here, we propose a general matrix formalism putting the Peres test on a solid mathematical ground. On this basis, we introduce multipath and multiparticle interference tests, which provide a direct probe for any dimension of the number system of quantum mechanics.
Authors with CRIS profile
Joachim von Zanthier
Quantum Optics & Quantum Information (QOQI)
Marc-Oliver Pleinert
Quantum Optics & Quantum Information (QOQI)
Additional Organisation(s)
Related research project(s)
Involved external institutions
Austria (AT)How to cite
APA:
Saruhan, E.İ., von Zanthier, J., & Pleinert, M.-O. (2025). Multipath and Multiparticle Tests of Complex versus Hypercomplex Quantum Theory. Physical Review Letters, 134(6). https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.060201
MLA:
Saruhan, Ece İpek, Joachim von Zanthier, and Marc-Oliver Pleinert. "Multipath and Multiparticle Tests of Complex versus Hypercomplex Quantum Theory." Physical Review Letters 134.6 (2025).
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