# Problem

Quantum Bell-type inequalities are defined in terms of two (or more) subsystems of a quantum system. The subsystems may be treated either via (local) Hilbert spaces, --- tensor factors of the given (global) Hilbert space, or via commuting (local) operator algebras. The latter approach is less restrictive, it just requires that the given operators commute whenever they belong to different subsystems.

Are these two approaches equivalent?

# Background

Some relevant formal definitions (for two subsystems) may be found in [1], Sect.~2 (and Sect.~1). Formulas (2.1--2.3) of [1] formalize the less restrictive approach (via commuting operators), while formulas (2.4--2.6) formalize a more restrictive approach, requiring a tensor product Hilbert space (which could be essential) and some additional restrictions (these are not essential). Unfortunately, it is claimed (without proof) in [1] that the two approaches are equivalent! This is my error. I regret deeply for my irresponsible claim. A failure of my old would-be-proof came to light in May 2006. We must thank Antonio Acin who requested from me a proof.

Three convex sets are considered in [1] and Problem 26, denoted $X_{\text{HDB}} \subset X_{\text{QB}} \subset X_{\text{B}}$ and $C \subset Q \subset P$ respectively. Their elements are called behaviors' and correlations', respectively. However, in both cases one should consider four sets, say, $C \subset Q' \subset Q'' \subset P$, where Q',Q'' correspond to the two approaches (more restrictive and less restrictive, respectively).

The question is, whether Q' = Q'', or not.

If $Q' \ne Q''$ then another (even more important) question arises naturally: is Q' dense in Q'', or not?

If Q' is essentially different from Q'' (that is, not dense) then we should decide, which one is more relevant to physics. I believe that Q' is. Here is why. In physics we deal not just with commuting operators, but with operators belonging to local algebras corresponding to disjoint domains (on a positive distance). True, it is usually believed that local algebras are type III factors. But it is also usually believed that they are separated by type I factors, provided that the domains are disjoint. (This is called "F property" or "funnel property" in the local quantum field theory.) And type I factors mean a tensor product Hilbert space.

Still another question appears if $Q' \ne Q''$: which properties of operator algebras are discerned by Q ? One may introduce QI, QII,QIII for type I, II, III factors, then QI = Q', but what about QII,QIII? Are they equal?

# Partial Results

## Finite dimensions

If the given (global) Hilbert space H is finite-dimensional and only two subsystems are dealt with, then the two approaches are equivalent. The given operators of the first subsystem generate an operator algebra $\mathcal A_1$. Its center decomposes H into the direct sum $H_1 \oplus \dots \oplus H_n$ of subspaces (sectors) Hk. On each sector, $\mathcal A_1$ boils down to a factor. Thus, $H_k = H'_k \otimes H''_k$ and

$H = H'_1 \otimes H''_1 \oplus \dots \oplus H'_n \otimes H''_n \, .$

It remains to embed H into $H' \otimes H''$ where

$H' = H'_1 \oplus \dots \oplus H'_n \, , \quad H'' = H''_1 \oplus \dots \oplus H''_n \, .$

## Infinite Dimensions

In [2], the authors showed that this problem is connected to questions of finite approximability of C*-algebras. In [3], the authors show that it is indeed equivalent to one major open question in operator algebra theory, the embedding problem of Connes', asking whether any type II1 factor can be embedded into an ultrapower of the hyperfinite type II1 factor.

# Literature

1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 B.S. Tsirelson, Hadronic Journal Supplement 8, pp 329, (1993)
2. V.B. Scholz, R.F. Werner, arXiv:0812.4305
3. M. Junge, M. Navascues, C. Palazuelos, D. Perez-Garcia, V. B. Scholz, R. F. Werner, arXiv:1008.1142