Uncertainty relations and joint numerical ranges

Abstract

Noncommutativity lies in the heart of quantum theory and provides rich set of interesting questions in physics and mathematics. In this work I present some of them through the concept of Joint Numerical Range (JNR) - the set of simultaneously attainable averages of quantum observables, which in general need not commute. Full description of JNR geometry quickly becomes complex as the dimensionality of quantum system grows. In this thesis I present already existing results in the theory of JNR, generalizations of the formalism and applications of JNR in the theory of phase transitions and uncertainty relations.