Quantum Foundation Study Group

Objectives

Background

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of quantum mechanics. Over the past century, the unique features of quantum theory—what we now refer to as quantumness—have enabled the remarkable advancement of quantum technologies.

This quantumness arises from the fundamental mathematical structure of quantum mechanics, such as the noncommutativity of operators, and is analysed through concepts like coherence, entanglement, nonlocality, contextuality, incompatibility, and complementarity. These ideas are now actively being explored and applied in a wide range of disciplines, including thermodynamics, particle physics, and information theory, etc.

For example, studies on the incompatibility of quantum measurements have shed light on fundamental limits of gravitational wave detection, revealed rich phenomena in measurement-induced phase transitions, and contributed to the understanding of the computational advantage of measurement-based quantum computing.

Nevertheless, this line of research is still developing. Fundamental questions remain unresolved, such as: What truly constitutes quantumness? What are the  boundaries between classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and a possible  unified mechanics of nature—if such a theory can be constructed at all?  Addressing these questions demands a deep and active investigation into the  foundations of quantum mechanics.

From an applied perspective as well, there is growing interest in exploiting  quantumness for interdisciplinary purposes. Research is flourishing at the  interface of quantum theory with mathematics, physics, biology, economics,  medicine, and cognitive science.  

Objective

Through this study group, we aim to achieve the following three goals:

1. To deepen our understanding of the latest developments in the foundations of quantum mechanics and translate these insights into each member’s area of expertise—and vice versa.
2. To leverage one of iTHEMS’s key strengths: its diverse membership of researchers with strong backgrounds in foundational sciences such as mathematics, who can share their expertise and foster collaborative discussions and research.
3. To promote interdisciplinary research rooted in the foundations of quantum mechanics.

Plan

We propose the following four types of activities:

• Activity 1: Topical (Short) Review Meetings (Monthly)
  Group members will study and present topics relevant to their own research interests or curiosity, aiming for a more in-depth and polished version of a journal club. These sessions will promote individual and collaborative research development.
• Activity 2: Seminars (every two months)
• Activity 3: Intensive Lectures (Twice a year)
  These events will feature a balanced mix of speakers from within iTHEMS, other RIKEN research programs/centres, and external institutions. The goal is to strengthen both internal and external collaborative research networks.
• Activity 4: Workshops and Conferences (Once a year)
  This annual event will be organised in collaboration with initiatives such as the RIKEN Quantum, the Fundamental Quantum Science Program (FQSP), and the RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing (RQC), providing a platform for broader engagement and exchange.

Facilitators:

Masazumi Honda (RIKEN iTHEMS) – Contact: masazumi.honda@riken.jp

Amaury Micheli (RIKEN iTHEMS)

Christy Koji Kelly (RIKEN iTHEMS)

Dongwook Ghim (RIKEN iTHEMS)

Haruki Emori (RIKEN iTHEMS/Hokkaido U.)

Shunji Matsuura (RIKEN iTHEMS)

Steffen Backes (RIKEN TRIP Research DX Team)

Yuta Sekino (RIKEN iTHEMS/RIKEN CPR)