Physics Discovery: 99.99995% Confidence Level and Quantum Mechanics

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SUMMARY

Physicists have established that a discovery must achieve a confidence level of 99.99995%, commonly referred to as the "5 sigma" requirement, to be considered valid. This standard indicates a 99.99995% probability that the results can be reproduced. The discussion raises questions about whether Quantum Mechanics (QM) has met this criterion through experimental attempts, particularly in relation to loophole experiments. The consensus is that while statistical errors are accounted for, other potential sources of error remain unaddressed.

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Rade
At the reference link below is this statement--
Physicists have agreed that claims of a discovery must have a confidence level of 99.99995 percent, indicating a 99.99995 percent chance that the result can be reproduced.
Is this view held, and in what publication was this 'agreed to' ? And, does theory of Quantum Mechanics meet this criterion--that is, have experimental attempts to falsify QM (say, loophole experiments) reached a CL of 99.99995 percent ? Just asking, not trying to cause heartburn.

Reference Link: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-03/dnal-wht032306.php
 
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Rade said:
Is this view held, and in what publication was this 'agreed to' ? And, does theory of Quantum Mechanics meet this criterion--that is, have experimental attempts to falsify QM (say, loophole experiments) reached a CL of 99.99995 percent ? Just asking, not trying to cause heartburn.

This probably (didn't check) comes down to the "5 sigma" requirement before something can be called a result.
If a measurement is performed with known *statistical* errors, it's kind of a convention that a hypothesis is rejected when it is 5 or more sigma away from it. But this only talks about the statistical error (mostly due to counting statistics). It doesn't say anything about other potential sources of error.
 

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