Thermodynamical cost of some interpretations of quantum theory (Phys. Rev. A 94, 052127)

media-sizes-full-pt-5-7331figure1The interpretation of quantum theory is one of the longest-standing debates in physics. But is there a way to favor one over another using the rules of Thermodynamics? In this work, Adam Cabello and colleagues worked with us to see if the tools of complexity can provide an answer. The answers are preliminary, but appears that at least under assumptions that if hidden variables obey the same thermodynamic rules as classical machines, and have finite memory, they're going to generate more heat some some interpretations that don't field such constraints.

The work is now also featured in Physics Today: