Path Superposition Vs Entanglement Superposition

[San K]

"Path (or single particle)" Superposition Vs Entanglement Superposition


"Path" superposition
1. Single photon/particle...say going through a double slit

Entanglement superposition
1. Creation of two entangled photons


Path superposition

- 1 particle...superposition of multiple paths
- one (particle) to many (paths)

Entanglement superposition

- two particles described by the same wavefunction
- many (particles) to one (wavefunction)


also "paths" can interfere, entangled particles don't interfere

Is entanglement really superposition or complimentary to superposition?

 

[bhobba]

Is entanglement really superposition or complimentary to superposition?

Both entanglement and superposition are simply an outcome of the vector space structure of QM - but they are different things.

Suppose you have two systems that can be in state |a> and |b> then possible states are |a>|b> and |b>|a>. This is from the vector space structure. From the same structure you can have a superposition ie c1|a>|b> + c2|b>|a>. The systems are entangled.

Thanks
Bill

 

[San K]

Both entanglement and superposition are simply an outcome of the vector space structure of QM - but they are different things.

Well answered. Thanks Bill