Process matrices on generalised theories
We extend the process-matrix framework for defining indefinite causal orders to a broad class of generalised physical theories. We give a simple re-axiomatisation of spacetime contexts in terms of naturality over classical probes, which precisely captures non-contextual assignment together with compatibility with convexity and coarse-graining within local laboratories. Using this compositional perspective, we give a clean characterisation of theories in which abstract spacetime contexts admit a process-matrix representation, and we pin down the precise conditions (satisfied by classical theory, quantum theory, and a Boxworld-like theory) under which the supermap and process-matrix perspectives on higher-order processes coincide.
Authors
- Timothée Hoffreumon (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7014-1958)
- James Hefford (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6664-8657)
- Matt Wilson
Publication Details
- Journal
- arXiv (Cornell University)
- Published
- 2026-10-29
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2610.40448
- Primary Topic
- Quantum Mechanics and Applications
- Type
- preprint