Symmetry transformations beyond Wigner's theorem

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• Dr Sarah Croke (Glasgow)
• Friday 28 June 2024, 12:00-13:00
• MR14.

If you have a question about this talk, please contact Adrian Kent.

Wigner’s theorem is a foundational result in quantum mechanics, which establishes that symmetry transformations are represented by either unitary or anti-unitary operators. Physically, this is to ensure that observable quantities, namely the square overlap between any two states, are preserved under a symmetry transformation. In this talk I will discuss symmetries and their importance in Physics, and introduce Wigner’s theorem. I will then propose transformations which are neither unitary nor anti-unitary, motivate these as valid symmetry transformations, and discuss their physical meaning. The discussion relies on a quantum informational description of reference frames, thus suggesting an extension of Wigner’s theorem in the light of a modern approach to quantum measurement.

This talk is part of the CQIF Seminar series.

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