A question on calculating entangled spin probability

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the probability of detecting matches in entangled photon polarization experiments, specifically in the context of Bell's inequality violations. The quantum rule for predicting match probabilities is defined as cos²(Alice's Angle - Bob's Angle). When using equidistant angles of 0, 120, and 240 degrees, the overall match probability is established at 0.25. However, for non-equidistant angles such as 10, 60, and 200 degrees, the calculated probability is approximately 0.66, prompting the user to seek a method for determining expected results without exhaustive calculations.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly entanglement.
  • Familiarity with Bell's inequality and its significance in quantum physics.
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically cosine calculations.
  • Experience with probability theory as it applies to quantum experiments.
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  • Study the mathematical derivation of Bell's inequality violations.
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Quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers interested in the statistical analysis of entangled particles will benefit from this discussion.

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I was trying to understand the QM tests done to show the violation of Bell’s inequality. In the example given this was done by testing the polarization of entangled photons which were positively correlated.

So in the example Alice and Bob are detecting the polarisation for the two entangled photons, using 3 detectors chosen at random, which are at angles of 0 degrees, 120 degrees and 240 degrees.

I was told that the quantum rule to predict the number of matches (e.g. both detected the same spin or both do not detect same spin) was cos^2(Alice's Angle - Bob's Angle)

As these angles are all equidistant then it is easy to see that the overall result will be 0.25 without doing all the individual test, as each individual test’s probability is 0.25

But let’s say the three detectors being used were at angles 10, 60 and 200?

Doing it long hand, i.e. calculating each individual test and adding up all the matches I get appx 0.66

But how would I calculate the expected result without doing all the individual tests? (so I can check I am doing it right!)

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
I've got the answer now thanks.
 

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