Can Signals Be Transmitted Faster Than Light Using Quantum Entanglement?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of transmitting signals faster than light using a proposed apparatus based on quantum mechanics and the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) paradox. Participants explore the implications of quantum entanglement and interference patterns in a double-slit experiment setup, questioning the validity and logic of the proposed method.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a method involving two entangled photons and a double-slit setup, suggesting that by manipulating measurement devices, signals could be sent faster than light.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism, suggesting that an interference pattern may not be observed in the total photon pattern, but rather only through coincidence counting of specific photon pairs.
  • A further reply questions the absence of an interference pattern, arguing that if a photon passes through both slits, it should interfere with itself, and that a large number of photons should yield an interference pattern.
  • Another participant discusses the delayed choice quantum eraser experiment, drawing parallels to the proposed setup and suggesting that interference patterns depend on the measurement of specific subsets of photons.
  • One participant speculates that similar to the delayed choice quantum eraser, the total interference pattern may show no interference when summing all possible patterns, implying that faster-than-light signaling could be avoided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are multiple competing views regarding the validity of the proposed method and the behavior of interference patterns in the described setup.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of quantum mechanics and the dependence on specific measurement conditions, which may affect the outcomes of the proposed signaling method.

  • #31
I wanted to know more about the spin-1/2 photons. I was getting entangled.

Carl
 
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  • #32
I posted this in a similar thread - but what about...

I just can't get past this...

if we use entangled pairs (and a continuous stream of them - orginating from the midpoint between the 2 communicators), all we need to do is have Alice wipe out (with a black absorber - shutter apparatus) a pair.

Bob then see's these 'holes' in the regular stream - which can then be translated to binary - hence comunication.

Please tell my why spin's etc even need to played around with - if an entangled pair is really the SAME particle/photon - then it's enough to wipe one out to communicate...

:)

Tell me I'm a Genius - or show me the error of my way?
 
  • #33
lov said:
if we use entangled pairs (and a continuous stream of them - orginating from the midpoint between the 2 communicators), all we need to do is have Alice wipe out (with a black absorber - shutter apparatus) a pair.
What do you mean "wipe out"? Are you suggesting that if one member of an entangled pair is absorbed by an atom, the other will just disappear? That's not how entanglement works.
lov said:
Please tell my why spin's etc even need to played around with - if an entangled pair is really the SAME particle/photon - then it's enough to wipe one out to communicate...
Who told you that an entangled pair is "really the same photon"?
 
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