Abstract
Quantum mechanics predicts correlations between measurements performed in distant regions of a spatially spread entangled state to be higher than allowed by intuitive concepts of Locality and Realism. These high correlations forbid the use of nonlinear operators of evolution (which would be desirable for several reasons), for they may allow faster-than-light signaling. As a way out of this situation, it has been hypothesized that the high quantum correlations develop only after a time longer than L/c has elapsed (where L is the spread of the entangled state and c is the velocity of light). In shorter times, correlations compatible with Locality and Realism would be observed instead. A simple hidden variables model following this hypothesis is described. It is based on a modified Wheeler–Feynman theory of radiation. This hypothesis has not been disproved by any of the experiments performed to date. A test achievable with accessible means is proposed and described. It involves a pulsed source of entangled states and stroboscopic record of particle detection during the pulses. Data recorded in similar but incomplete optical experiments are analyzed, and found consistent with the proposed model. However, it is not claimed, in any sense, that the hypothesis has been validated. On the contrary, it is stressed that a complete, specific test is absolutely needed.
Highlights
Quantum mechanics (QM) has faced debate since its early years
(iii) Correlations between measurements performed in distant regions of a spatially extended entangled state are higher than allowed by Local Realism
The AB model is the simplest realization we found of the general hypothesis of the existence of transient deviations from QM predictions
Summary
Quantum mechanics (QM) has faced debate since its early years. At least three points of conflict have been identified:. The conflictive point (ii) can be solved by using nonlinear operators of evolution [3,4] It has been shown [5,6] that such operators would allow faster-than-light signaling, if combined with the high correlations of point (iii). This would be in contradiction with theory of Relativity, and make quantum field theory untenable. The transient deviations would impose the rate of detected entangled pairs to be smaller than c/L Anyway, this limit is several orders of magnitude above the rate that can be reached nowadays (see Section 3). These data are consistent with AB, but we do not claim them to provide any sort of confirmation of the transient deviation hypothesis—they just encourage performing the appropriate experiment
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