Quantum Entanglement (A source saying QE exceeds the Speed of Light)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the implications of a study on quantum entanglement (QE) and its potential relationship with faster-than-light (FTL) interactions. Participants explore the experimental bounds set by the study and the interpretations of these results, including the possibility of FTL influences and alternative explanations for QE.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes an experiment that suggests if there are privileged reference frames, then any hypothetical influence related to QE would need to exceed the speed of light by at least 10,000 times.
  • Another participant notes that while the study implies a lower bound for FTL interactions, it also acknowledges that there are non-realistic or contextual explanations for quantum entanglement that do not require FTL interactions.
  • A question is raised about the definition of FTL interactions, indicating a need for clarification on the term.
  • A link to an article discussing FTL photon propagation is shared, suggesting interest in exploring related phenomena.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the study regarding FTL interactions, with some suggesting that the results set a lower limit while others propose alternative explanations that do not involve FTL concepts. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing interpretations present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with quantum mechanics, which may influence their interpretations of the study. There is also a lack of consensus on the definitions and implications of FTL interactions in the context of quantum entanglement.

Atran
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Hi,
... Here we put stringent experimental bounds on the speed of all such hypothetical influences. We performed a Bell test during more than 24 hours between two villages separated by 18 km and approximately east-west oriented, with the source located precisely in the middle. We continuously observed 2-photon interferences well above the Bell inequality threshold. Taking advantage of the Earth's rotation, the configuration of our experiment allowed us to determine, for any hypothetically privileged frame, a lower bound for the speed of this spooky influence. For instance, if such a privileged reference frame exists and is such that the Earth's speed in this frame is less than 10^-3 that of the speed of light, then the speed of this spooky influence would have to exceed that of light by at least 4 orders of magnitude.
Source: http://arxiv.org/abs/0808.3316

I haven't studied more than the basics in QM. Therefore I don't understand the math behind quantum entanglement.

Any Ideas/Suggestion/Critics about the source?
Thanks.
 
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Atran said:
Hi,

Source: http://arxiv.org/abs/0808.3316

I haven't studied more than the basics in QM. Therefore I don't understand the math behind quantum entanglement.

Any Ideas/Suggestion/Critics about the source?
Thanks.

What this study says is: IF Quantum Entanglement involves FTL interactions, it must be at least 10,000c. It is generally speculated that if Quantum Entanglement involves FTL interactions, it is actually instantaneous (infinite c). So this study sets a floor.

However, there are other explanations for QE that do not involve FTL interactions. These are the so-called non-realistic or contextual groups.
 
What is an FTL interaction?
 

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