Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the application of Feynman rules to entangled photons, specifically regarding the path integral formulation in quantum mechanics. Participants explore whether the amplitude of one photon in an entangled pair should include contributions from the other photon, considering both nonrelativistic quantum mechanics and quantum field theory contexts.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question whether the amplitude of one photon should include the amplitude of the other photon in the pair, emphasizing the need to define endpoints for the path integral.
- Others argue that the path integral can be viewed as a single particle in a higher-dimensional configuration space, suggesting that both photons together represent one particle in six dimensions.
- A few participants express uncertainty about the implications of photon interference at beam splitters and the role of wavefunction collapse in entangled systems.
- There are differing views on whether the Feynman integral is typically computed in configuration space or momentum space, with some asserting that momentum space is more common due to experimental measurements.
- One participant asserts that entangled photons do not produce traditional interference patterns and questions the validity of discussing wavefunction collapse in the context of entangled pairs.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the amplitude of one photon should include the other, and there are multiple competing views regarding the interpretation of the path integral and the nature of interference in entangled photons. The discussion remains unresolved.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight the importance of defining the endpoints for the path integral and the potential confusion arising from different interpretations of quantum mechanics in the context of entangled photons. There is also mention of the limitations of discussing wavefunction collapse without a clear experimental basis.