The Requirement for Complex Numbers in Quantum Theory

G. Maynard, D. Lambert, W. D. Deering

Department of Physics, University of North Texas, Denton, TX USA

Generations of physicists have at some point wondered about the role of complex numbers in quantum theory. None have had this point explained. Taking this as a pedagogical issue, this article elucidates the origins of the complex requirement and draws the connection between these origins and the requirement that the state vector be complex.