Entanglement – the order of measurements can be important

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of measurement order in quantum entanglement experiments, particularly focusing on the polarization of photons. Participants explore the mathematical formulations and potential differences in outcomes based on the sequence of measurements, with references to polarizing beam splitters (PBS) and the effects of half-wave shifts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a mathematical framework suggesting that the order of measuring entangled photons (p and s) affects the resulting polarization states and outcomes.
  • Another participant questions the clarity of the initial explanation and requests a more organized presentation of the experimental setup and reasoning.
  • Some participants argue that the order of measurements does not matter, asserting that statistical ratios remain constant regardless of the sequence.
  • There is a discussion about the significance of half-wave differences in transmission and reflection when photons encounter PBS, with some suggesting this could lead to observable differences.
  • One participant expresses confusion over the mathematical expressions and requests clearer references and explanations.
  • Another participant attempts to clarify that while individual cases may show differences, the overall statistical outcomes do not change, suggesting a lack of observable experimental difference.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the order of measurements impacts the results of entangled photon experiments. Some assert that it does, while others maintain that it does not, leading to an unresolved debate.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific experimental setups and mathematical formulations that may not be fully detailed, leading to potential misunderstandings. The discussion also touches on the broader context of faster-than-light (FTL) thought experiments, which may influence interpretations of the results.

UChr
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Entanglement – the order of measurements can be important.
I try now with some formulas - hope it's reasonably understandable:

First known substance - unless I am floundering in it:
I imagine that the p - photons is measured first (p1) and meets a PBS (0) (x = horizontal and y = vertical). We can then describe the measuring state with regard to polarization by:

k*( lp1,x> ls2,y> + lp1,y> ls2,x> ) - where k = 1 / sqrt (2) (scale factor).

Next s - photons are measured (s2) with a PBS (+45) (+=+45 degrees and - = - 45 degrees).

Change of base: ls2,x> = k*( ls2,+> + ls2,->) and ls2,y> = k*( ls2,+> - ls2,->) and inserted:

k*k*( lp1,x> ( ls2,+> - ls2,->) + lp1,y> ( ls2,+> + ls2,->))

= k * k * (( lp1,x> ls2,+> - lp1,x> ls2,-> + lp1,y> ls2,+> + lp1,y> ls2,->)

= k*(k*( lp1,x> ls2,+> + lp1,y> ls2,+>) + k*(lp1,y> ls2,-> - lp1,x> ls2,->))


There are detectors at 0, 90 and -45 degrees, so that only photons with +45 degrees continues - equivalent to: k*( lp1,x> ls2,+> + lp1,y> ls2,+>)
which corresponds to the expected: that half of the photons continue on + 45 were measured horizontally and half comes from the vertical (at p).


s measured before p: k*( lp2,-> ls1,+> + lp2,+> ls1,->)

Change of base: lp2,+> = k*( lp2,x> + lp2,y>) and lp2,-> = k*( lp2,x> - lp2,y>) and inserted:

k*( k*( lp2,x> - lp2,y>) ls1,+> + k*( lp2,x> + lp2,y>) ls1,->)

Only photons with +45 degrees continues - equivalent to:

k*( lp2,x>ls1,+> - lp2,y> ls1,+>)
a small difference (+ / -) - but measurable would be that half of those who continue will later be measured 'horizontal' and half 'vertical'


And then finally something perhaps not totally trivial?

When the photon passes a PBS changed the reflected photons a half wave = 1/2. No significant change = 0/2. Used entanglement with respect to time, we get:

k*( lp1,x>lp1, 0/2> ls2,y>ls2, 0/2> + lp1,y>lp1, 1/2> ls2,x>ls2, 1/2> )

and the ‘+45’-photons:

k*( lp1,x> lp1, 0/2> ls2,+> ls2, 0/2> + lp1,y> lp1, 1/2> ls2,+> ls2, 1/2>)

So half = the measured 'vertical' - is shifted half-wave


OR

k*( lp2,-> lp2, 0/2> ls1,+> ls1, 0/2> + lp2,+> lp2, 1/2> ls1,-> ls1, 1/2>)

And the ‘+45’-photons now:

k*( lp2,x> lp2, 0/2> ls1,+> ls1, 0/2> - lp2,y> lp2, 0/2> ls1,+> ls1, 0/2>)

So now they are similar with respect to time.
The difference between p1 and p2-s2-s1 should be measurable with a double slit or a suitable interferometer.
 
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Could you give a synopsis of what you are saying? I don't follow this.

Thanks.
 
DrChinese said:
Could you give a synopsis of what you are saying? I don't follow this.

Thanks.

Re: FTL-gedanken experiment

but the s and p swapped - I try with formulas to show that it should give a difference.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why I think the order may be important in some types of experiments:

S-photons encounter a PBS (0) - polarize horizontally / vertically (and the vertically are detected).
P-photon encounters a PBS (45) - polarization diagonal positive / negative (and both the diagonal positive and negative are detected).
Both interrupts entanglement and both causes in addition a difference of half a wave between the transmitted and reflected.

If s first meetings PBS (0): It will transmit Beam with roughly the same wavelength shift as before for all.

If p first meetings PBS (45): s-beam will be oriented diagonally negative / positive - with a difference of half a wave - and when this beam subsequent meetings PBS (0): half of each type will be transmitted - so this time the resulting beam consists of a fifty-fifty blend with a half wave difference.
 
Could you say that once again in more ordered way?
With some drawings of the experimental setup (at least reference to) you say about?
There are tens of FTL-gedanken experiments, differing in such details, so it is really hard to follow you...

Anyway, the answer is: no, the order of measurements doesn't matter.
If you want me to point a flaw in your view (as I understand you believe it matters) - give a clear setup and description.
 
UChr said:
Re: FTL-gedanken experiment

but the s and p swapped - I try with formulas to show that it should give a difference.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why I think the order may be important in some types of experiments:

S-photons encounter a PBS (0) - polarize horizontally / vertically (and the vertically are detected).
P-photon encounters a PBS (45) - polarization diagonal positive / negative (and both the diagonal positive and negative are detected).
Both interrupts entanglement and both causes in addition a difference of half a wave between the transmitted and reflected.

If s first meetings PBS (0): It will transmit Beam with roughly the same wavelength shift as before for all.

If p first meetings PBS (45): s-beam will be oriented diagonally negative / positive - with a difference of half a wave - and when this beam subsequent meetings PBS (0): half of each type will be transmitted - so this time the resulting beam consists of a fifty-fifty blend with a half wave difference.

So we are going to see a series of clicks on each side. Is there some ratio which you assert will change? Perhaps the ratio of p=V to s=+ ?

Because that will stay constant regardless of the order. Not sure what the "half wave" thing is you are trying to pitch.
 
xts said:
Could you say that once again in more ordered way?
With some drawings of the experimental setup (at least reference to) you say about?
There are tens of FTL-gedanken experiments, differing in such details, so it is really hard to follow you...

Anyway, the answer is: no, the order of measurements doesn't matter.
If you want me to point a flaw in your view (as I understand you believe it matters) - give a clear setup and description.

'FTL - gedanken experiment' is a topic in this forum - where this was post # 13

Argument against was that this kind never gave any difference.
I think it does in this case - and therefore I have tried to follow the experiment via formulas in the hope of obtaining a concrete discussion of this particular experiment.
 
DrChinese said:
So we are going to see a series of clicks on each side. Is there some ratio which you assert will change? Perhaps the ratio of p=V to s=+ ?

Because that will stay constant regardless of the order. Not sure what the "half wave" thing is you are trying to pitch.

No not the rate of p = V to s = + - but the connection between polarizing and 'half wave' difference.
The 'half wave' difference are the difference between transmission with the PBS and reflection.
 
Ouch?
I can't find such topic using simple search.
I would really advice you to give easy to follow references, rather than puzzles, and write your math in an ordered, easily readable \TeX way.
 
UChr said:
No not the rate of p = V to s = + - but the connection between polarizing and 'half wave' difference.
The 'half wave' difference are the difference between transmission with the PBS and reflection.

I believe you are saying that there are differences in individual cases but that the statistical ratios do not change in the aggregate. Am I close?

If so, then you acknowledge there is no observable experimental difference. Which is what I am saying. :smile: (Because one can always assert X is important or Y is important for anything when there is no observable difference in outcomes. And this is that case.)
 
  • #10
xts said:
Ouch?
I can't find such topic using simple search.
I would really advice you to give easy to follow references, rather than puzzles, and write your math in an ordered, easily readable \TeX way.

Last submit at Jul27-11 / p 4 at PFQ or search on UChr.
OK the math could be more readable - but hopefully understandable with a little patience.
 
  • #11
DrChinese said:
I believe you are saying that there are differences in individual cases but that the statistical ratios do not change in the aggregate. Am I close?

no statistical difference
 
  • #12
A simpler version:

The p - photons are measured horizontally / vertically = x/y.

The sister - photons s are measured at + 45 / - 45 degrees = +/-.

The measuring state with regard to polarization is describe by base x/y for p and +/- for s.

I start with the first measured and then change base for the other.

There are detectors at 0, 90 and -45 degrees, so only s-photons with +45 degrees continue.

With p first and s second - state of s photons that continue:

1) k*( lp1,x> ls2,+> + lp1,y> ls2,+>)

, - where k = scale factor - or more simple without p1, s2 and k just:

2) lx> l+> + ly> l+>

With p second and s first - ie s measured but p not measured yet :

3) lx> l+> - ly> l+>

A difference (+ / -), but not measurable.


Using entanglement with respect to time:

When the photon passes a PBS changed the reflected photons a half wave = 1/2. No significant change = 0/2.

With p first and s second:

4) lx> l+> + ly> l+>

p measured ==>

5) lx, 0/2 > l+> + ly, 1/2> l+>

time entanglement ==>

6) lx, 0/2 > l+,0/2> + ly, 1/2> l+,1/2>

s measured ==>

7) lx, 0/2 > l+,0/2 +0/2> + ly, 1/2> l+,1/2 +0/2>

So half = the measured 'vertical' - is shifted half-wave


With s first measured:

8) lx> l+,0/2 > - ly> l+,0/2> time entanglement ==>

9) lx,0/2> l+,0/2 > - ly,0/2> l+,0/2>

If the s+ is detected before p it should change anything for s+.

When later measuring p:

10) lx,0/2+0/2> l+,0/2 > - ly,0/2+1/2> l+,0/2>

The difference between ‘p first’ or ‘s first and detected before p’ should be measurable with a double slit or maybe better a suitable interferometer.
 

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