Entangled Lotto: Simulating Mermin's Bell Gedanken Experiment

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter rlduncan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Entangled Game
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the development of an "Entangled Lotto" game that simulates David Mermin's Bell Gedanken experiment, specifically measuring polarizations at 120-degree angles. The simulation successfully demonstrates expected outcomes, achieving a probability of P = 0.5 when considering both two orientations and a third unmeasured orientation. The game employs a scratch-off method to reveal selections for players Bob and Alice, utilizing anti-correlated entries and random ordering of the words "Different" and "Same" to determine winning conditions. The design effectively illustrates the principles of quantum theory in a playful format.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly Bell's theorem
  • Familiarity with probability theory and expected outcomes
  • Knowledge of simulation techniques in game design
  • Experience with randomization methods in programming
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore quantum mechanics simulations using tools like Qiskit
  • Research advanced concepts in Bell's theorem and its implications
  • Learn about game design principles for educational simulations
  • Investigate the use of scratch-off mechanics in interactive games
USEFUL FOR

Quantum physicists, game developers, educators in physics, and anyone interested in the intersection of quantum theory and interactive simulations.

rlduncan
Messages
104
Reaction score
1
I have been developing an entangled lotto game to simulate a simple Bell gedanken experiment described by David Mermin in his article: "Is the moon there when nobody looks? Reality and the quantum theory" where the polarizations are measured at 120 degree angles. I know this is not possible for all quantum predictions, and the simulation only works for the 120 degree setting, but have I succeeded for this special case?

It is interesting that when only two orientations are considered at a time the expected outcome is observed, that is, P = (1/3)(1/2) + (2/3)(1/2) = .5. However, when the simulation takes into account the third unmeasured orientation then the quantum theory result is obtained which is P = (1/3)(1) + (2/3)(1/4) = .5.

The words "Different" and "Same" are hidden and the scratch-off method is used to reveal the random selection which is the 1/3 and 2/3 probabilities for same-switch and different-switch outcomes respectively.

Also, for the a+, b+, c+, a-, b-, c- pair selections are hidden and the scratch-off method is used to reveal the random selections for Bob and Alice.

Entangled Lotto Scratch Game Rules

1. First section is a random ordering of the words “Different”, "Different", and “Same”. Player Wins if selection reveals the word “Same”. Game Over! If Player selects “Different” they are given a second chance to Win!

2.) For Bob and Alice all a, b, c entries are always in the same relative positions and all + and - characters are anti-correlated. Player randomly selects one of six from Bob's section and randomly selects one from the three different columns of Alice's section. (Example shown below is one of 24 possible permutations that could be used to randomly generate the data set).

Lotto Ticket

Pick “Same”. You Win! Game Over!
*Different* **Same** *Different*

Pick “Different” Try Again!

Bob: Pick One
b+ a+ c-
b- a- c+

Alice: Pick One from each Column
b- a- c+
b+ a+ c-

(Ex. To Win if Bob's pick is a-, then Alice’s picks must be b- and c-)

Note: The Alice pick that’s a match to Bob’s column (switch) is a free pick and has no effect on the outcome of the other picks and there is ¼ chance that Alice’s other two picks match Bob’s.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It sounds like you have succeeded in creating a simulation that is consistent with the expected outcomes of the Bell Gedanken experiment. It's great to see how the random ordering of words and the scratch-off method are used to reveal the random selections for Bob and Alice. Congratulations on your success!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K