Probability of entangled photons passing filter independent?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the probabilities of two polarization-entangled photons passing through polarizers set at a certain angle α. Participants explore whether the probabilities of each photon passing its respective filter are independent or dependent, considering the implications of entanglement on these probabilities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if the probabilities of photons A and B passing their filters are independent, acknowledging a potential misunderstanding of correlation and dependence.
  • Another participant asserts that the probability of each photon passing its filter is 50%, independent of the angle, but notes that this changes when considering the conditional probabilities based on the outcome of the other photon.
  • A later reply clarifies that the question of independence changes when considering the joint probability of both photons passing their filters, suggesting that they are indeed dependent due to their entangled nature.
  • Another participant explains that if the photons are in a specific entangled state, the outcomes will always show one photon passing while the other is absorbed when both are measured with the same angle, reinforcing the idea of dependence.
  • One participant humorously reflects on their own conflicting ideas and calculations, indicating uncertainty in their understanding of the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the probabilities are not independent due to the entangled nature of the photons, although there is some exploration of the conditions under which independence might be considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the implications of different entangled states and how they affect the observed correlations, but do not resolve the nuances of how these states influence the probabilities in various experimental setups.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for those interested in quantum mechanics, particularly in understanding the nature of entanglement and its effects on measurement outcomes in photon polarization experiments.

entropy1
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Consider two polarisation-entangled photons A and B fired at two polarisationfilters that are at a certain angle α. Are the probability that A is passing its filter and the probability that B is passing its filter indepedent probabilities?

I am aware that is probably an incredibly stupid question, but I need peer confirmation.

UPDATE: As far as I understand from Wikipedia, correlation (which is the case here) implies dependence. However, in this particular case the dependence only shows when the two measurement results are brought together...
 
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entropy1 said:
Consider two polarisation-entangled photons A and B fired at two polarisationfilters that are at a certain angle α. Are the probability that A is passing its filter and the probability that B is passing its filter indepedent probabilities?

For both photons, the probability that the photon passes its filter is 50%, and this is independent of the angle between them. Thus, if you're watching just one end of the experiment you will see a completely random sequence of pass/no-pass events... You might as well be flipping an honest coin and counting heads and tails.

However, that's the answer to the question "What is the probability that a photon passes its filter?". If you're going to ask about the probability that a photon passes its filter, given that the other photon passed (or not) when the angle between the filters is ##\alpha##... That's a different question. To see this effect we have to make measurements at both sides and then compare notes after the fact.
 
Nugatory said:
If you're going to ask about the probability that a photon passes its filter, given that the other photon passed (or not) when the angle between the filters is ##\alpha##... That's a different question.

If you look at it that way, are the measurements dependent?

Or rather: is P(A+ ∩ B+)=P(A+)P(B+) where X+ is X passing the filter?

UPDATE: I guess that would be silly, for P(A+ ∩ B+)=cos2(α), and since the setup is symmetric, it would yield P(A+)=P(B+)=|cos(α)|, which is not the case, since P(A+)=P(B+)=½. So I guess P(A+) en P(B+) are not independent then. Thanks. Figures, since there is entanglement of course.
 
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The probabilities are not independent. If the photons' polarizations are entangled into a singlet state ##\left| HV \right\rangle
- \left| VH \right\rangle## and you pass both of them through a polarizer with the same angle, then you'll find that exactly one of the photons is absorbed every time (its partner will pass through).

If you only get to see the results from one of the photons from each pair, the results will look like coin flips.

Different entangled states will show other kinds of correlation (such as both photons always doing the same thing, or the photons always doing opposite things when the polarizers are offset by 45 degrees instead of 0 degrees).
 
I thought of a crazy idea and worked out some math. It all contradicts, so I guess I am not the one entitled to invent fancy theories haha! o0):biggrin::wink:
 
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