Mar
Mötesplats Rydberg - Does quantum theory need complex numbers?

With Armin Tavakoli, Associate Senior Lecturer, Mathematical Physics, Department of Physics.
This seminar is part of a series organised by Lund University in recognition of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). All seminars in the series are presented on the Quantum in Lund website.
Abstract
The great theories in the history of physics regularly use complex numbers for convenience but do not fundamentally rely on them. However, since the 1920s it has been asked whether quantum theory might be different in that regard. I discuss the final resolution to this problem based on an article in Nature (600 625 2021) where we prove that quantum theory without complex numbers gives rise to different physical predictions. I then discuss the experimental tests of real versus complex quantum theory and what all this teaches us about quantum theory.
Nature, 600 625-629 2021: Quantum theory based on real numbers can be experimentally falsified.
Hybrid meeting
You can attend the Rydberg lecture hall at 15:15. Coffee and cake will be served from 15.00.
You can also join Mötesplats Rydberg online via the meeting tool Zoom:
About the event
Location:
The Rydberg Lecture Hall, Department of Physics, Professorsgatan 1B, Lund/ Zoom.
Contact:
cord [dot] arnold [at] fysik [dot] lu [dot] se