Abstract
Weak value measurements have recently given rise to a great amount of interest in both the possibility of measurement amplification and the chance for further quantum mechanics foundations investigation. In particular, a question emerged about weak values being proof of the incompatibility between quantum mechanics and noncontextual hidden variables theories (NCHVTs). A test to provide a conclusive answer to this question was given by Pusey [Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 200401 (2014)], where a theorem was derived showing the NCHVT incompatibility with the observation of anomalous weak values under specific conditions. In this Letter we realize this proposal, clearly pointing out the connection between weak values and the contextual nature of quantum mechanics.
Highlights
Weak value measurements have recently given rise to a great amount of interest in both the possibility of measurement amplification and the chance for further quantum mechanics foundations investigation
A question emerged about weak values being proof of the incompatibility between quantum mechanics and noncontextual hidden variables theories (NCHVTs)
Lett. 113, 200401 (2014)], where a theorem was derived showing the NCHVT incompatibility with the observation of anomalous weak values under specific conditions
Summary
Weak value measurements have recently given rise to a great amount of interest in both the possibility of measurement amplification and the chance for further quantum mechanics foundations investigation. We present the very first experimental test of this theorem, performed by exploiting polarization weak measurements on heralded single photons [23,24].
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