Research from Heinrich Heine University Challenges a Core Assumption
A team of physicists from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf and the German Aerospace Center has published a study that is sparking lively debate within the scientific community. In a paper released on June 23, 2026, at 10:30 AM in the journal Physical Review Letters, authors Professor Dagmar Brüß and graduate student Pedro Barrios Hita demonstrated that classical quantum processes can be fully described using only real numbers, without any need for complex numbers. This finding calls into question earlier assertions that complex numbers are an irreplaceable foundation for quantum mechanics.
New Theories and Their Implications
The study introduces a new class of theories built exclusively on real numbers. Both mathematical models presented in the research yield identical predictions for any experiment, confirming their validity. Professor Dagmar Brüß remarked:
“Imaginary numbers are not a fundamental necessity for the universe—they are merely a convenient computational tool.”This statement could reshape our understanding of quantum mechanics, a field originally established in the early 20th century by pioneers like Max Planck, Niels Bohr, and Erwin Schrödinger.
This discovery represents a significant step forward in theoretical physics, as it allows researchers to explore fresh approaches for modeling quantum processes. Scientists believe that further investigations in this area could lead to new technologies and a deeper comprehension of physical phenomena. An explanatory diagram accompanying the research question illustrates how quantum mechanics can be implemented using only real numbers. (Photo: Pedro Barrios Hita, HHU)
The outcomes of this study could have far-reaching consequences for quantum physics and related scientific fields. If the new theories presented in the article are confirmed by subsequent experiments, it may prompt a re-evaluation of certain core principles of quantum mechanics. Moreover, this breakthrough could open up new possibilities for developing quantum technologies, including:
- quantum computing
- quantum cryptography
These technologies have the potential to drive major changes in information technology.
This groundbreaking research opens the door to a broader understanding of quantum mechanics, especially in light of recent advancements in the field. For instance, Oxford physicists have successfully implemented practical superposition, which could further enhance our grasp of quantum computing and its applications. As these discoveries unfold, the implications for technology and fundamental physics are becoming increasingly profound.