Analysis reveals challenges in causality within relativistic local quantum theory, suggesting quantum mechanical systems play a key role.
In this paper, we discuss the Rafael Sorkin’s gedanken experiment of an impossible measurement in relativistic local quantum theory, which leads to an apparent violation of causality. Though we do not solve completely the Sorkin’s paradox, our discussion suggests that the mathematical structure of Algebraic Quantum Field Theory, namely its type III 1 local algebras of observables (via Connes-Stormer transitivity), is crucial for its understanding. Also the role of a type I factor as a “quantum mechanical” system needed to prepare an initial normal (=physical) state is discussed.
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A.P. Balachandran (2025) studied this question.
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