Is a Quantum Entanglement Camera the Key to Seeing Into the Future of Earth?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of using a quantum entanglement camera to capture images of distant objects, potentially allowing us to see into the future. Participants reference an article from IEEE Spectrum that discusses quantum imaging with undetected photons. Key points include the limitations imposed by the no-communication theorem, which states that entanglement cannot be used for communication without a conventional method to transmit information. Additionally, the practicality of illuminating distant astronomical targets with such a camera is questioned, highlighting the challenges in applying this technology for space observation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics concepts, particularly quantum entanglement.
  • Familiarity with the no-communication theorem in quantum physics.
  • Basic knowledge of quantum imaging techniques, specifically those involving undetected photons.
  • Awareness of the limitations of conventional imaging methods in astronomy.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of quantum entanglement and its implications in communication.
  • Explore the concept of quantum imaging with undetected photons in detail.
  • Investigate the no-communication theorem and its relevance to quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about current advancements in astronomical imaging technologies and their limitations.
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Individuals interested in quantum mechanics, astrophysics enthusiasts, and researchers exploring the intersection of quantum technology and imaging methods.

James71
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TL;DR
Possibility of using a quantum entanglement camera to image distant objects
I do not have the education to grasp the math of quantum mechanics but I am very interested in it and understand some of the concepts. I often find myself pondering those concepts.

One thing I began to wonder about was the possibility of using quantum entanglement to observe distant objects so I did a quick search on Google to see if anyone else had similar ideas and I came across this article:

https://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/semiconductors/devices/quantum-entanglement-camera

So it does seem to be possible to image things with quantum entanglement but it did not address the ideas I had.

Let's say you take a quantum entanglement camera, leave one here on Earth and send the other deep into space and take a picture? Would we be able to create an image here on Earth with such a camera?

Which brings me to the part that I am really wondering about. Say this camera is sent 100 light years from Earth before it snaps the picture. The resulting picture shows us an image of light that would have taken 100 years to reach us. Would this effectively be us looking into Earth's future, given that it has not reached us yet?
 
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You cannot use entanglement (alone) for communication: No-communication theorem. You always need a conventional way to send information, which is limited by the speed of light.
James71 said:
Let's say you take a quantum entanglement camera, leave one here on Earth and send the other deep into space and take a picture? Would we be able to create an image here on Earth with such a camera?
No. You wouldn't even know if the camera took a picture at all.
To reconstruct a picture the camera needs to send something to us - but then it's very similar to a conventional spacecraft taking a picture and transmitting it digitally. To make things worse, the camera you linked needs to illuminate its target, which is impractical for astronomy. Shining a light onto a nearby star isn't going to do anything.
 
Ok, thanks for the information. I was aware of that but it seemed to me that the article was able to do this, but just not so far.

I have other questions. Will ask later.
 
James71 said:
grasp the math of quantum mechanics
There is very little math in the referenced paper Quantum imaging with undetected photons. Do you understand phase shift as a complex number, the exponential of an angle?
 

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