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| Format: | Preprint |
| Published: |
2026
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| Online Access: | https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.19342 |
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| _version_ | 1866915876242980864 |
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| author | Zhang, Yong |
| author_facet | Zhang, Yong |
| contents | Quantum interference provides one of the most sensitive probes of quantum mechanics. While linear superposition fixes the positions and quadratic curvature of interference fringes, it remains unclear whether the probabilistic postulate itself, the Born rule, can be tested through finer, local features of interference patterns. Here we show that a minimal deformation of quantum probability gives rise to a robust and symmetry-protected signature: a left-right asymmetry in the local shape of interference fringes. Remarkably, this effect leaves the linear Schrödinger dynamics intact and does not shift fringe positions or modify their quadratic curvature. Instead, it appears exclusively as a cubic skewness of local intensity profiles, providing a clean and falsifiable observable. We demonstrate this behavior within a controlled realization that preserves linear dynamics while minimally deforming the probabilistic assignment. The resulting signature is universal, scale insensitive, and cannot be mimicked by conventional sources of experimental noise. Our results identify local asymmetry in interference as a direct probe of quantum probability itself, suggesting that features often regarded as removable imperfections may encode fundamental information beyond fringe positions and widths. |
| format | Preprint |
| id |
arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2603_19342 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | Local asymmetry in interference as a probe of quantum probability Zhang, Yong Quantum Physics Quantum interference provides one of the most sensitive probes of quantum mechanics. While linear superposition fixes the positions and quadratic curvature of interference fringes, it remains unclear whether the probabilistic postulate itself, the Born rule, can be tested through finer, local features of interference patterns. Here we show that a minimal deformation of quantum probability gives rise to a robust and symmetry-protected signature: a left-right asymmetry in the local shape of interference fringes. Remarkably, this effect leaves the linear Schrödinger dynamics intact and does not shift fringe positions or modify their quadratic curvature. Instead, it appears exclusively as a cubic skewness of local intensity profiles, providing a clean and falsifiable observable. We demonstrate this behavior within a controlled realization that preserves linear dynamics while minimally deforming the probabilistic assignment. The resulting signature is universal, scale insensitive, and cannot be mimicked by conventional sources of experimental noise. Our results identify local asymmetry in interference as a direct probe of quantum probability itself, suggesting that features often regarded as removable imperfections may encode fundamental information beyond fringe positions and widths. |
| title | Local asymmetry in interference as a probe of quantum probability |
| topic | Quantum Physics |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.19342 |