An operational characterization of finite-dimensional quantum theory

A key goal in the foundations of quantum mechanics is to identify operational constraints characterizing physical theories. Bell inequalities do so for classical probability theory, while Tsirelson’s bound provides a first step for quantum mechanics. Here, we address the dual question: Can one certify that all correlations predicted by quantum theory are actually realizable? In this work, we construct a finite number of two-body correlations such that the only probabilistic theory that (1) realizes them, and (2) does so in a way that is stable under iterated teleportation, is quantum theory. For $(\mathbb{C}^{d})^{\otimes n}$, Condition (1) can be verified using $\operatorname{poly}(d,n)$ measurement settings. Condition (2) may be understood as a hierarchy of tests, one for each number $N$ of teleportation steps. There is thus a sense in which finite-dimensional quantum theory can be self-tested. In particular, one can certify the existence of Bell inequality violations larger than any that have been directly observed.