Potent Value and Potent Operator with Pre- and Post-selected Quantum Systems

Abstract

We introduce a novel concept which we call as potent value of system observable for pre- and post-selected quantum states. This describes, in general, how a quantum system affects the state of the apparatus during the time between two strong measurements corresponding to pre- and post-selections. The potent value can be realized for any interaction strength and for arbitrary coupling between the system and the apparatus observables. Most importantly, potent values generalize and unify the notion of the weak values and modular values of observables in quantum theory. Furthermore, we define a potent operator which describes the action of one system on the another and show that superposition of time-evolutions and time-translation machines are potent operators. These concepts may find useful applications in quantum information processing and can lead to technological benefits.