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Do neutrons disagree with photons about where they have been inside an interferometer?
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Abstract
Recent experiments with identically tuned nested Mach-Zehnder interferometers which attempted to observe the location of particles inside these interferometers are analyzed. In spite of claims to the contrary, it is argued that all experiments support the same surprising picture according to which the location of the particles inside the interferometers is not described by continuous trajectories.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.
Based on the results of Vaidman’s photonic three-path interferometer experiment with weak path marking [A. Danan, D. Farfurnik, S. Bar-Ad, and L. Vaidman, Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 240402 (2013)] the authors claim that the photons have discontinuous particle trajectories. Here, we present a neutron optical version of the experiment by Danan et al. , where in various beam paths of the interferometer the energy of the neutrons is slightly shifted. This is achieved by using resonance-frequency spin-rotators (SR) operating at different frequencies. The which-way information is derived from the time-dependent intensity, which is considered to result from the interfering cross terms between the stationary main component and the energy-shifted which-way signals. Our statements are based on a simple theoretical model, following the time evolution of the wave function of the neutrons, which clarifies the observation in the framework of standard quantum mechanics and reveals the multifold presence of the neutron’s wave function in the interferometer.
While quantum reality can be probed through measurements, the Two-State Vector Formalism (TSVF) reveals a subtler reality prevailing between measurements. Under special pre- and post-selections, odd physical values emerge. This unusual picture calls for a deeper study. Instead of the common, wave-based picture of quantum mechanics, we suggest a new, particle-based perspective: Each particle possesses a definite location throughout its evolution, while some of its physical variables (characterized by deterministic operators, some of which obey nonlocal equations of motion) are carried by “mirage particles” accounting for its unique behavior. Within the time interval between pre- and post-selection, the particle gives rise to a horde of such mirage particles, of which some can be negative. What appears to be “no-particle”, known to give rise to interaction-free measurement, is in fact a self-canceling pair of positive and negative mirage particles, which can be momentarily split and cancel out again. Feasible experiments can give empirical evidence for these fleeting phenomena. In this respect, the Heisenberg ontology is shown to be conceptually advantageous compared to the Schrödinger picture. We review several recent advances, discuss their foundational significance and point out possible directions for future research.
The history of photons in a nested Mach–Zehnder interferometer with an inserted Dove prism is analyzed. It is argued that the Dove prism does not change the past of the photon. Alonso and Jordan correctly point out that an experiment by Danan et al. demonstrating the past of the photon in a nested interferometer will show different results when the Dove prism is inserted. The reason, however, is not that the past is changed, but that the experimental demonstration becomes incorrect. The explanation of a signal from the place in which the photon was (almost) not present is given. Bohmian trajectory of the photon is specified.
A neutron optical experiment is presented to investigate the paths taken by neutrons in a three-beam interferometer. In various beam paths of the interferometer, the energy of the neutrons is partially shifted so that the faint traces are left along the beam path. By ascertaining an operational meaning to “the particle's path,” which-path information is extracted from these faint traces with minimal perturbations. Theory is derived by simply following the time evolution of the wave function of the neutrons, which clarifies the observation in the framework of standard quantum mechanics. Which-way information is derived from the intensity, sinusoidally oscillating in time at different frequencies, which is considered to result from the interfering cross terms between stationary main component and the energy-shifted which-way signals. Final results give experimental evidence that the (partial) wave functions of the neutrons in each beam path are superimposed and present in multiple locations in the interferometer.
Significance
In this combined theoretical and experimental work, we describe and demonstrate a universal feature of local couplings of spatially preselected and postselected systems. All weak couplings, independently of their physical nature, are modified in the same universal manner, characterized by the weak value of local projection. We present a general analysis which neither relies on a specific form of the coupling nor is restricted to weak interactions. This allows us to define a consistent paradigm of the presence of a quantum particle, much more intricate than the concept of the presence of a classical particle. Furthermore, we discovered that Gaussian pointers remain reliable beyond the weak regime, which enabled a simple and efficient alignment method for interferometric setups.
In the preceding comment it is claimed that we are mistaken in the analysis of the theory of the 'past of a quantum particle' proposed by the author of the comment. We show that the claim is unfounded. Moreover we show that the arguments presented in the comment are not consistent with the already proposed theory.
When a photon is detected after passing through an interferometer one might wonder which path it took, and a meaningful answer can only be given if one has the means of monitoring the photon's whereabouts. We report the realization of a single-photon experiment for a two-path interferometer with path marking. In this experiment, the path of a photon ("signal") through a Mach--Zehnder interferometer becomes known by unambiguous discrimination between the two paths. We encode the signal path in the polarization state of a partner photon ("idler") whose polarization is examined by a three-outcome measurement: one outcome each for the two signal paths plus an inconclusive outcome. Our results agree fully with the theoretical predictions from a common-sense analysis of what can be said about the past of a quantum particle: The signals for which we get the inconclusive result have full interference strength, as their paths through the interferometer \emph{cannot be known}; and every photon that emerges from the dark output port of the balanced interferometer has a \emph{known path}.
A century after its conception, quantum mechanics still hold surprises that contradict many “common sense” notions. The contradiction is especially sharp in case one consider trajectories of truly quantum objects such as single photons. From a classical point of view, trajectories are well defined for particles, but not for waves. The wave-particle duality forces a breakdown of this dichotomy and quantum mechanics resolves this in a remarkable way: Trajectories can be well defined, but they are utterly different from classical trajectories. Here, we give an operational definition to the trajectory of a single photon by introducing a technique to mark its path using its spectral composition. The method demonstrates that the frequency degree of freedom can be used as a bona fide quantum measurement device (meter). The analysis of a number of setups, using our operational definition, leads to anomalous trajectories which are noncontinuous and in some cases do not even connect the source of the photon to where it is detected. We carried out an experimental demonstration of these anomalous trajectories using a nested interferometer. We show that the two-state vector formalism provides a simple explanation for the results.
We argue that the modification proposed by Li et al. [Chin. Phys. Lett. 32, 050303 (2015)] to the experiment of Danan et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 240402 (2013)] does not test the past of the photon as characterised by local weak traces. Instead of answering the questions: (i) Were the photons in A? (ii) Were the photons in B? (iii) Were the photons in C? the proposed experiment measures a degenerate operator answering the questions: (i) Were the photons in A? (ii) Were the photons in B and C together? A negative answer to the last question does not tell us if photons were present in B or C. A simple variation of the modified experiment does provide good evidence for the past of the photon in agreement with the results Danan et al. obtained.
A novel prediction is derived by the Two-State-Vector-Formalism (TSVF) for a particle superposed over three boxes. Under appropriate pre- and postselections, and with tunneling enabled between two of the boxes, it is possible to derive not only one, but three predictions for three different times within the intermediate interval. These predictions are moreover contradictory: The particle (when looked for using a projective measurement) seems to disappear from the first box where it would have been previously found with certainty, appearing instead within the third box, to which no tunneling is possible, and later re-appearing within the second. When examined closer during the "disappearance" time, it turns out that local measurement (i.e. opening one of the boxes) fails to indicate the particle's presence, but subtler measurements performed on the two boxes together reveal the particle's nonlocal modular momentum spatially separated from its mass. Another advance of this setting is that, unlike other predictions of the TSVF that rely on weak and/or counterfactual measurements, the present one uses actual projective measurements. This outcome is then corroborated by adding weak measurements and the Aharonov-Bohm effect. The results strengthen the recently suggested time-symmetric Heisenberg ontology based on nonlocal deterministic operators.
We show that two-state vector formalism (TSVF), applied to quantum systems that make use of delicate interference effects, can lead to paradoxes. We consider a few schemes of nested Mach-Zehnder interferometers that make use of destructive interference. A particular interpretation of TSVF applied to these schemes makes predictions that are contradictory to quantum theory and can not always be verified. Our results suggest that TSVF might not be a suitable tool to describe quantum systems that make use of delicate quantum interference effects.
The question: "Where was a quantum particle between pre- and postselection
measurements?" is analyzed in view of a recent proposal that it was in the
overlap of the forward and backward evolving wave functions. It is argued that
this proposal corresponds not only to the criterion of where the particle
leaves a weak trace, but also where the local interactions can affect the
probability of postselection and where finding the particle in a strong
nondemolition measurement is possible. The concept of a "secondary presence" of
a pre- and postselected particle where local interactions affect the weak trace
in the overlap region is introduced.
Linear-optical interferometers play a key role in designing circuits for quantum information processing and quantum communications. Even though nested Mach-Zehnder interferometers appear easy to describe, there are occasions when they provide unintuitive results. This paper explains the results of a highly discussed experiment performed by Danan et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 240402 (2013).] using a standard approach. We provide a simple and intuitive one-state vector formalism capable of interpreting their experiment. Additionally, we cross-checked our model with a classical-physics-based approach and found that both models are in complete agreement. We argue that the quantity used in the mentioned experiment is not a suitable which-path witness, producing seemingly contraintuitive results. To circumvent this issue, we establish a more reliable which-path witness and show that it yields well-expected outcomes of the experiment.
We reexamine the thought experiment and real experiment of Vaidman et al., by
placing Dove prisms in the nested Mach-Zehnder interferometer arms. In those
previous works, the criterion of whether a single photon was present, or not,
was the presence of a "weak trace", indicating the presence of a nonzero weak
value. This was verified by slightly varying the mirror angle at a given
frequency, which was then detected on a position sensitive detector at the
oscillation frequency. We show the presence of the Dove prisms gives identical
weak values everywhere to the previous configuration because the prisms change
neither the path difference, nor the mode profile in the aligned case.
Nevertheless, the same slight variations of the interferometer mirrors now give
a signal at the first mirror of the nested interferometer. We can interpret
this result as a misaligned optical interferometer, whose detailed response
depends on the stability of the elements, or as the detector coupling to a
nonzero effective weak value.
An experiment is designed to determine the path of a photon in a nested
Mach-Zehnder interferometer using quantum non-demolition(QND) measurements. We
find that when the photon reaches the detector, it is following only one arm of
the outer interferometer and leaves no trace in the inner interferometer; while
when it goes through the inner interferometer, it can not reach the detector.
This result is contradicted with the claim based on two state vector formulism
(TSVF), and clarify the argument on the counterfactual communication.
Misinterpretation in the preceding Comment of my recent analysis of the
past of a photon is corrected. There is nothing in this analysis which
is “contrary to the usual quantum expectations” but,
nevertheless, it does provide “further understanding and
interpretation of the system considered.” In particular, it
indicates that the common sense argument used in the Comment should be
abandoned.
We present surprising experimental evidence regarding the past of photons passing through an interferometer. The information about the positions through which the photons pass in the interferometer is retrieved from modulations of the detected signal at the vibration frequencies of mirrors the photons bounce off. From the analysis we conclude that the past of the photons is not represented by continuous trajectories, although a "common sense" analysis adopted in various welcher weg measurements, delayed-choice which-path experiments, and counterfactual communication demonstrations yields a single trajectory. The experimental results have a simple explanation in the framework of the two-state vector formalism of quantum theory.
Although there is no consensus regarding the "reality" of the past of a
quantum particle, in situations where there is only one trajectory with
nonvanishing quantum wave of the particle between its emission and detection
points, it seems "safe" to associate the past of the particle with this
trajectory. A method for analyzing the past of a quantum particle according to
the weak trace it leaves is proposed. Such a trace can be observed via
measurements performed on an ensemble of identically pre- and post-selected
particles. Examples, in which this method contradicts the above common sense
description of the past of the particle are presented. It is argued that it is
possible to describe the past of a quantum particle, but the naive approach has
to be replaced by both forward and backward evolving quantum states.
In this paper we present the two-state vector formalism of quantum mechanics. It is a time-symmetrized approach to standard quantum theory particularly helpful for the analysis of experiments performed on pre- and post-selected ensembles. Several peculiar effects which naturally arise in this approach are considered. In particular, the concept of ``weak measurements'' (standard measurements with weakening of the interaction) is discussed in depth revealing a very unusual but consistent picture. Also, a design of a gedanken experiment which implements a kind of quantum ``time machine'' is described. The issue of time-symmetry in the context of the two-state vector formalism is clarified.
We present a three-path photon interferometer, theoretically investigate the behavior of the photon passing through it, and revisit the surprising experimental outcomes introduced by Danan et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 240402 (2013)]. Our study shows that the “discontinuous trajectory” behavior of the photon results from the interference of the three propagation paths of the photon, which originate from the light source and end in the detector. If two of the three paths are adjusted in a destructive interference condition, there will be a zero probability domain in the overlap region of these two paths. However, these two paths can still individually interfere with the third path and contribute to the final output. In this condition, the discontinuous trajectory phenomenon appears. Our theory has a clear physical image and agrees with the experimental outcomes very well.
We stand by our findings in Phys. Rev. A 96, 022126 (2017). In addition to refuting the invalid objections raised by Peleg and Vaidman, we report a retrocausation problem inherent in Vaidman's definition of the past of a quantum particle.
We consider a finite-dimensional quantum system, making a transition between known initial and final states. The outcomes of several accurate measurements, which {\it could be} made in the interim, define virtual paths, each endowed with a probability amplitude. If the measurements are {\it actually made}, the paths, which may now be called "real", acquire also the probabilities, related to the frequencies, with which a path is seen to be travelled in a series of identical trials. Different sets of measurements, made on the same system, can produce different, or incompatible, statistical ensembles, whose conflicting attributes may, although by no means should, appear "paradoxical". We describe in detail the ensembles, resulting from intermediate measurements of mutually commuting, or non-commuting, operators, in terms of the real paths produced. In the same manner, we analyse the Hardy's and the "three box" paradoxes, the photon's past in an interferometer, the "quantum Cheshire cat" experiment, an the closely related subject of "interaction-free measurements". It is shown that, in all these cases, inaccurate "weak measurements" produce no real paths, and yield only limited information about the virtual paths' probability amplitudes
We discuss the preceding Comment and conclude that the arguments given there against the relevance of null weak values as representing the absence of a system property are not compelling. We give an example in which the transition matrix elements that make the projector weak values vanish are the same ones that suppress detector clicks in strong measurements. Whether weak values are taken to account for the past of a quantum system or not depend on general interpretional commitments of the quantum formalism itself rather than on peculiarities of the weak measurements framework.
Vaidman has proposed a controversial criterion for determining the past of a single quantum particle based on the "weak trace" it leaves. We here consider more general examples of entangled systems and analyze the past of single, as well as pairs of entangled pre- and postselected particles. Systems with non-trivial time evolution are also analyzed. We argue that in these cases, examining only the single-particle weak trace provides information which is insufficient for understanding the system as a whole. We therefore suggest to examine, alongside with the past of single particles, also the past of pairs, triplets and eventually the entire system, including higher-order, multipartite traces in the analysis. This resonates with a recently proposed top-down approach by Aharonov, Cohen and Tollaksen for understanding the structure of correlations in pre- and postselected systems.
We analyze Vaidman's three-path interferometer with weak path marking [L. Vaidman, Phys. Rev. A 87, 052104 (2013)] and find that common sense yields correct statements about the particle's path through the interferometer. This disagrees with the original claim that the particles have discontinuous trajectories at odds with common sense. In our analysis, “the particle's path” has operational meaning as acquired by a path-discriminating measurement. For a quantum-mechanical experimental demonstration of the case, one should perform a single-photon version of the experiment by Danan et al. [A. Danan, D. Farfurnik, S. Bar-Ad, and L. Vaidman, Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 240402 (2013)] with unambiguous path discrimination. We present a detailed proposal for such an experiment.
In [JETP Lett. 105(3), 152 (2017)], a clear and comprehensive analysis of the paradoxical results of experiment [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 240402 (2013)] was carried out on the basis of the classical wave theory of light, which presupposes the continuity of possible of light paths. It was shown that the paradoxical results of the experiment are due not to the discontinuity of the trajectories of light, as claimed in [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 240402 (2013)], but to the used way of detecting the path of photons. The experiment modification proposed in [JETP Lett. 105(3), 152 (2017)] allows us to eliminate the seeming discontinuity of the light trajectories. In Comment [arXiv:1705.02137 (2017)] to the article such modification is declared unreasonable. This Response to the Comment shows that this statement is not based on clear and logical arguments. Instead, it is only asserted that the proposed modification "violates the faithfulness indication of the trace" of photons. Therefore, the Comment's criticism can not be considered as well-founded. Consequently, the conclusion of [JETP Lett. 105(3), 152 (2017)] that a new concept of disconnected trajectories proposed by the authors of work [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 240402 (2013)] is unnecessary, remains valid.
Recently, a scheme based on the method of weak measurements to register the trajectories of photons passing through a nested Mach–Zehnder interferometer was proposed [L. Vaidman, Phys. Rev. A 87, 052104 (2013)] and then realized [A. Danan, D. Farfurnik, S. Bar-Ad, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 240402 (2013)]. Interpreting the results of the experiment, the authors concluded that “the photons do not always follow continuous trajectories.” It is shown in this work that these results can be easily and clearly explained in terms of traditional classical electrodynamics or quantum mechanics implying the continuity of all possible paths of photons. Consequently, a new concept of disconnected trajectories proposed by the authors of work [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 240402 (2013)] is unnecessary.
The criticism of the experiment showing discontinuous traces of photons passing through a nested Mach-Zehnder interferometer is shown to be unfounded.
In quantum mechanics, the concept of weak measurements allows for the description of a quantum system both in terms of the initial preparation and the final state (post-selection). This paradigm has been extensively studied theoretically and experimentally, but almost all of weak-measurement experiments carried out to date can be understood in terms of the classical (electromagnetic wave) theory of optics. Here, we present a quantum version in which the measurement apparatus deterministically entangles two distinct optical beams. We show that a single photon, when properly post-selected, can have an effect equal to that of eight photons: that is, in a system where a single photon has been calibrated to write a nonlinear phase shift of φo on a probe beam, we measure phase shifts as large as 8φo for appropriately post-selected single photons. This opens up a new regime for the study of entanglement of optical beams, as well as further investigations of the power of weak-value amplification for the measurement of small quantities.
Non-destructive weak measurements (WM) made on a quantum particle allow to extract information as the particle evolves from a prepared state to a finally detected state. The physical meaning of this information has been open to debate, particularly in view of the apparent discontinuous trajectories of the particle recorded by WM. In this work we investigate the properties of vanishing weak values for projection operators as well as general observables. We then analyze the implications when inferring the past of a quantum particle. We provide a novel (non-optical) example for which apparent discontinuous trajectories are obtained by WM.\ Our approach is compared to previous results.
Griffiths [Phys. Rev. A 94, 032115 (2016)] analyzed, in the framework of consistent histories interpretation, the controversy regarding the approach to the past of a quantum particle introduced by Vaidman [Phys. Rev. A 87, 052104 (2013)]. I argue that Griffith's criticism of my approach using analysis of experiments with weak probes is unfounded.
The authors of Phys.Rev.Lett. \textbf{111}, 240402 (2013) conclude that "the past of the photons is not represented by continuous trajectories". A simple analysis by standard quantum mechanics shows that this claim is false.
Possible paths of a photon passing through a nested Mach-Zehnder interferometer on its way to a detector are analyzed using the consistent histories formulation of quantum mechanics, and confirmed using a set of weak measurements (but not weak values). The results disagree with an analysis by Vaidman [ Phys.\ Rev.\ A 87 (2013) 052104 ], and agree with a conclusion reached by Li et al.\ [ Phys.\ Rev.\ A 88 (2013) 046102 ]. However, the analysis casts serious doubt on the claim of Salih et al.\ (whose authorship includes Li et al.) [ Phys.\ Rev.\ Lett.\ 110 (2013) 170502 ] to have constructed a protocol for counterfactual communication: a channel which can transmit information even though it contains a negligible number of photons.
Partway down the optic axis of the traditional doubleslit experiment stands the central element, the doubly-slit screen. This chapter discusses the question whether the photon—or the electron—shall have come through both the slits or only through one of them after it has already transversed that screen. The possibility to use the receptor at the end of the apparatus to record well-defined interference fringes is known. One can determine the lateral kick given to the receptor by each arriving quantum and can record the fringes or the kicks but not both. The arrangement for the recording of the one automatically rules out the recording of the other. It is easy to complicate the double-slit interference pattern. For that purpose, it is enough to have a complicated single-slit diffraction pattern and let the waves from two such slits interfere. It is not necessary to understand every point about the quantum principle in order to understand something about it.
Recently, A. Danan et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 240402 (2013)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.111.240402] performed a much-discussed experiment in which which-way information was obtained from the light in a nested Mach-Zehnder interferometer by weak measurement. The presented analysis using the two-state vector formalism drew the conclusions that the photons followed disconnected paths. We analyze this experiment using standard quantum optical methods and arrive at analytical expressions that match the experimental results without the need for such disconnected photon paths. We also propose a simple amendment to the experiment capable of displaying new phenomena, highlighting the advantages of our description. © 2015 American Physical Society.
The usual interpretation of the quantum theory is self-consistent, but it involves an assumption that cannot be tested experimentally, viz., that the most complete possible specification of an individual system is in terms of a wave function that determines only probable results of actual measurement processes. The only way of investigating the truth of this assumption is by trying to find some other interpretation of the quantum theory in terms of at present "hidden" variables, which in principle determine the precise behavior of an individual system, but which are in practice averaged over in measurements of the types that can now be carried out. In this paper and in a subsequent paper, an interpretation of the quantum theory in terms of just such "hidden" variables is suggested. It is shown that as long as the mathematical theory retains its present general form, this suggested interpretation leads to precisely the same results for all physical processes as does the usual interpretation. Nevertheless, the suggested interpretation provides a broader conceptual framework than the usual interpretation, because it makes possible a precise and continuous description of all processes, even at the quantum level. This broader conceptual framework allows more general mathematical formulations of the theory than those allowed by the usual interpretation. Now, the usual mathematical formulation seems to lead to insoluble difficulties when it is extrapolated into the domain of distances of the order of 10-13 cm or less. It is therefore entirely possible that the interpretation suggested here may be needed for the resolution of these difficulties. In any case, the mere possibility of such an interpretation proves that it is not necessary for us to give up a precise, rational, and objective description of individual systems at a quantum level of accuracy.
Quantum mechanics does not provide a clear answer to the question: What was the past of a photon which went through an interferometer? Various welcher weg measurements, delayed-choice which-path experiments and weak-measurements of photons in interferometers presented the past of a photon as a trajectory or a set of trajectories. We have carried out experimental weak measurements of the paths of photons going through a nested Mach-Zehnder interferometer which show a different picture: the past of a photon is not a set of continuous trajectories. The photons tell us that they have been in the parts of the interferometer which they could not have possibly reached! Our results lead to rejection of a ``common sense'' approach to the past of a quantum particle. On the other hand, they have a simple explanation within the framework of the two-state vector formalism of quantum theory.
In an recent work with the title "Asking Photons Where They Have Been," Danan et al. experimentally demonstrate an intriguing behavior of photons in an interferometer [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 240402 (2013), 10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.240402]. In their words: "The photons tell us that they have been in the parts of the interferometer through which they could not pass." They interpret the results using the two-state vector formalism of quantum theory and say that, although an explanation of the experimental results in terms of classical electromagnetic waves in the interferometer is possible (and they provide a partial description), it is not so intuitive. Here we present a more detailed classical description of their experimental results, showing that it is actually intuitive. The same description is valid for the quantum wave function of the photons propagating in the interferometer. In particular, we show that it is essential that the wave propagates through all parts of the interferometer to describe the experimental results. We hope that our work helps to give a deeper understanding of these interesting experimental results.
We present an analysis of a nested Mach-Zehnder interferometer in which an ensemble of identical pre- and postselected particles leaves a weak trace. A knowledge of the weak value partially destroys the quantum interference. The results, contrary to some recent claims [Vaidman, Phys. Rev. A 87, 052104 (2013)], are in accordance with the usual quantum-mechanical expectations.
Simultaneous observations of wave and particle behavior is prohibited,
usually by the position-momentum uncertainty relation. It is reported
here, however, that a way has been found, based on matter-wave
interferometry and recent advances in quantum optics, to obtain
which-path or particlelike information without scattering or otherwise
introducing large uncontrolled phase factors into the interfering beams.
It is the information contained in a functioning measuring apparatus,
rather than controllable alterations of the spatial wave function, that
changes the outcome of the experiment to enforce complementarity.
A generalization of the description of a quantum system in the time interval between two measurements is presented. A new concept of a generalized state is introduced. Generalized states yield a complete description of a quantum system when information about the system is available both from the past and from the future. The formalism of generalized states provides a natural language for describing many peculiar situations. In particular, situations in which one can ascertain the result of a measurement of any one of several non-commuting variables are analysed. 'Weak' measurements on quantum systems described by generalized states are discussed. The relation between 'weak' and 'strong' measurements is investigated.
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