Physicists say quantum mechanics may not need imaginary numbers after all

Researchers from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf and the German Aerospace Center have proposed that quantum mechanics could potentially be formulated without the use of imaginary numbers, traditionally a cornerstone of the theory. Their findings, published in Physical Review Letters, suggest that real numbers might suffice for the mathematical framework. This could simplify complex calculations and potentially open new avenues for theoretical and practical applications in quantum physics. The American Physical Society has highlighted these groundbreaking findings, indicating their significance in reshaping our understanding of quantum mechanics.