Minimal Proofs of the Kochen-Specker theorem within the N-qubit Pauli group

ORAL

Abstract

A complete class of minimal KS proofs is given for a system of N qubits. There exists a class of KS proofs using the observables of the N-qubit Pauli group, which make no direct use of rays. One particular family of these proofs, which we call ``Kites,'' is given for all N, with the N$=$2 case being the familiar Peres-Mermin Square. Each Kite generates a set of rays and bases which also prove the KS theorem. By discarding some of these rays and bases we obtain minimal KS proofs in Hilbert Spaces of all dimensions 2$^{\rm N}$. These proofs involve different numbers of projectors, but always contain just 9 measurement bases (or contexts), with Cabello's 18-9 proof for N$=$2.

Authors

  • Mordecai Waegell

    Worcester Polytechnic Institute

  • P.K. Aravind

    Worcester Polytechnic Institute