In quantum mechanics, one makes the distinction between mixed states and pure states. A classic example of a mixed state is a beam of photons in which 50% have spin in the positive $z$-direction and 50% have spin in the positive $x$-direction. Note that this is not the same as a beam of photons, 100% of which are in the state $$ \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[\lvert z,+\rangle + \lvert x,+\rangle]. $$ It seems, however, that at least in principle, we could describe this beam of particles as a single pure state in a 'very large' Hilbert space, namely the Hilbert space that is the tensor product of all the $\sim 10^{23}$ particles (I think that's the proper order of magnitude at least).
So then, is the density operator a mathematical convenience, or are there other aspects of quantum mechanics that truly require the density operator to be a 'fundamental' object of the theory?
(If what I mean by this is at all unclear, please let me know in the comments, and I will do my best to clarify.)
No comments:
Post a Comment