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Comment on {open_quote}{open_quote}Why quantum mechanics cannot be formulated as a Markov process{close_quote}{close_quote}

Journal Article · · Physical Review A
;  [1]
  1. Institute of Theoretical Physics, University of Wrocl/aw, PL-50 204 Wrocl/aw (Poland)

In the paper with the above-noted title, D. T. Gillespie [Phys. Rev. A {bold 49}, 1607 (1994)] claims that the theory of Markov stochastic processes cannot provide an adequate mathematical framework for quantum mechanics. In conjunction with the specific quantum dynamics considered there, we give a general analysis of the associated dichotomic jump processes. If we assume that Gillespie{close_quote}s {open_quote}{open_quote}measurement probabilities{close_quote}{close_quote} {ital are} the transition probabilities of a stochastic process, then the process must have an invariant (time independent) probability measure. Alternatively, if we demand the probability measure of the process follow the quantally implemented (via the Born statistical postulate) evolution, then we arrive at the jump process which {ital can} be interpreted as a Markov process if restricted to a suitable duration time. However, there is no corresponding Markov process consistent with the {ital Z}{sub 2} event space assumption, if we require its existence for all times {ital t}{element_of}{bold R}{sub +}. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}

OSTI ID:
286647
Journal Information:
Physical Review A, Journal Name: Physical Review A Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 54; ISSN 1050-2947; ISSN PLRAAN
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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