Hidden Variable - How to calculate the straight line

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the expectation value E(a,b) in hidden variable theories compared to quantum mechanics. The formula for the hidden variable expectation is defined as E(a,b) = ∫ ρ(λ) A(λ, a) B(λ, b) dλ, where A(λ, a) and B(λ, b) are derived from the angles of polarizers. Alain Aspect's work is referenced, specifically his equations for A(λ, a) and B(λ, b), which lead to the linear relationship E(θ) = -1 + 2θ/π, where θ is the angle between vectors a and b. This confirms that the hidden variable expectation value indeed represents a straight line.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of hidden variable theories in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with the concept of expectation values in physics
  • Knowledge of polarizer angles and their mathematical representation
  • Basic grasp of integration in mathematical physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Alain Aspect's experiments and their implications on hidden variable theories
  • Explore Bell's theorem and its significance in quantum mechanics
  • Read "Quantum Theory: Concepts and Methods" by Asher Peres for deeper insights
  • Investigate the mathematical derivation of expectation values in quantum systems
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in the foundations of quantum theory and hidden variable models.

Edgardo
Messages
707
Reaction score
17
There are plots that compare the expectation value E(a,b) of
(i) a hidden variable theory
(ii) quantum mechanics

For example here:
1. Talk given by Alain Aspect, video at 2m28s
2. PF Thread: The Unfair Sampling Assumption & Bell Tests

For the hidden variable theory the expectation value E(a,b) or E(theta) looks like a line. My question: How do you get this line?

--------

Let me further explain:

From what I understand the hidden variable is constructed as follows:
E(a,b) is given by:

E(\textbf{a},\textbf{b}) = \int \rho(\lambda) A(\lambda, \textbf{a}) B(\lambda,\textbf{b}) d\lambda

(Let's call this expression HV-Expectation)

where the vectors a and b are the directions of the polarizers.
(See Aspect talk at 0m54s)


Aspect asks us at 2m28s to construct a hidden variable and comes up with:

A(\lambda, \textbf{a}) = sign( \{cos(2(\theta_a-\lambda )\}
B(\lambda, \textbf{b}) = sign( \{cos(2(\theta_b-\lambda )\}
(Let's call them HV-equations)

where \theta_a and \theta_b are the angles of the vectors a and b with respect to some axis.

Now, I suppose that \lambda is the angle of a vector \vec{\lambda}. This vector \vec{\lambda} represents the hidden variable (sort of like a classical polarization). At least that's what I understood after reading Bell's original paper, see Eq (4).
(I also don't understand why Bell introduces the vector a').

Anyways, Aspect then explains that we get the line after plugging the HV-equations into HV-Expectation.

How is the calculation done?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I have meanwhile found a nice explanation in the book Quantum theory: concepts and methods by Asher Peres, see page 161-162.

The hidden variable expectation value is:

E(\theta) = -1 + 2\theta/\pi

where \theta is the angle between the vectors a and b. This is indeed a line.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 80 ·
3
Replies
80
Views
8K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 47 ·
2
Replies
47
Views
6K
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K