Project description
A new framework for describing causality in the quantum world
Quantum theory assumes most of the times a causal relationship between consecutive events. However, a quantum theory of gravity could raise intriguing questions, such as what happens when the laws of quantum mechanics are applied to the causal order itself. Recently, researchers have developed frameworks for quantum mechanics on indefinite causal structures, starting to shed light on such questions. However, most of these frameworks rely on abstract Hilbert space constructions. Funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme, the goal of the QuNeS project is to establish a framework for quantum theory with indefinite causal structure where the notion of space-time appears explicitly, and explore its implications for information processing.
Objective
Quantum theory usually assumes that the order in which events occur is fixed: given two events A and B, either A is in the causal past of B, A is in the causal future of B, or A and B are causally disconnected. This suggests some intriguing questions: What happens if we apply the laws of quantum mechanics to the causal order itself? Can we describe quantum physics when the usual notion of a causal structure becomes “fuzzy”? What kind of phenomena and information processing features can we expect in this scenario? Such questions are likely to be relevant for the phenomena expected in a theory of quantum gravity, and for the information theoretic power of such a theory. Recently, physicists working on quantum foundations have developed compositional frameworks for quantum mechanics on indefinite causal structures, starting to shed light on these questions. Up to now, the frameworks rely on abstract Hilbert space constructions, and there is no clear connection between this approach and other approaches to space-time physics. The goal of the present proposal is to make such a connection. Specifically, QuNeS will 1) Formulate an operational and compositional framework for quantum theory with indefinite causal structure where a notion of space-time appears explicitly. The formulation will include a detailed understanding of the symmetries of space-time quantum networks, and the treatment of quantum fields as systems under study. 2) Explore information-theoretic advantages implied by the framework. 3) Study the realization of indefinite causal structures. This study will include the possible gravitational origin of the realization, for example through the entanglement of gravitating quantum clocks. QuNeS will combine the researcher's experience on quantum clocks and dynamics of causal structures together with the host's expertise in compositional quantum theory and quantum foundations to reach a deeper understanding of causality and locality in quantum mechanics.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics algebra linear algebra
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics quantum optics
- natural sciences computer and information sciences data science data processing
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics
- social sciences law
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2018
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.