"No Information Without Disturbance": Quantum Limitations of Measurement

Abstract

In this contribution I review rigorous formulations of a variety of limitations of measurability in quantum mechanics. To this end I begin with a brief presentation of the conceptual tools of modern measurement theory. I will make precise the notion that quantum measurements necessarily alter the system under investigation and elucidate its connection with the complementarity and uncertainty principles.

Invited contribution, "Quantum Reality, Relativistic Causality, and Closing the Epistemic Circle: An International Conference in Honour of Abner Shimony", Perimeter Institute, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, July 18-21, 2006, Editors J. Christian, W.Myrvold, Springer-Verlag, 2008, ISSN: 978-1-4020-9106