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Communication Complexity as a Principle of Quantum Mechanics

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Abstract

We introduce a two-party communication complexity problem in which the probability of success by using a particular strategy allows the parties to detect with certainty whether or not some forbidden communication has taken place. We show that theprobability of success is bounded by nature; any conceivable method which gives a probability of success outside these bounds is impossible. Moreover, any conceivable method to solve the problem which gives a probability success within these bounds is possible in nature. This example suggests that a suitaby chosen set of communication complexity problems could be the basis of an information-theoretic axiomatization of quantum mechanics.

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  1. Departamento de Física Aplicada II, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012, Sevilla, Spain

    Adán Cabello

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  1. Adán Cabello
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Correspondence to Adán Cabello.

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Cabello, A. Communication Complexity as a Principle of Quantum Mechanics. Found Phys 36, 512–525 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10701-005-9029-5

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