Classical representation of the dynamics of quantum spin chains

Since the advent of quantum mechanics, classical probability interpretations have faced significant challenges. A notable issue arises with the emergence of negative probabilities when attempting to define the joint probability of non-commutative observables. In this work, we propose a resolution to this dilemma by introducing an exact representation of the dynamics of quantum spin chains using classical continuous-time Markov chains (CTMCs). These CTMCs effectively model the creation, annihilation, and propagation of pairs of classical particles and antiparticles. The quantum dynamics then emerges by averaging over various realizations of this classical process.

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Publication Details

Journal
SciPost Physics
Published
2026-09-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21468/scipostphys.21.3.059
Primary Topic
Quantum many-body systems
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Classical representation of the dynamics of quantum spin chains

Tony Jin
SciPost Physics
Quantum many-body systems
article

Classical representation of the dynamics of quantum spin chains

Tony Jin
article en

Abstract

Since the advent of quantum mechanics, classical probability interpretations have faced significant challenges. A notable issue arises with the emergence of negative probabilities when attempting to define the joint probability of non-commutative observables. In this work, we propose a resolution to this dilemma by introducing an exact representation of the dynamics of quantum spin chains using classical continuous-time Markov chains (CTMCs). These CTMCs effectively model the creation, annihilation, and propagation of pairs of classical particles and antiparticles. The quantum dynamics then emerges by averaging over various realizations of this classical process.

SciPost PhysicsVol. 21(3)
Université Côte d'Azur (FR), Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur (FR), Institut de Physique de Nice (FR)
Reduced inequalities
Openalex Percentile: Top 12%
Quantum many-body systems
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