Quantum Entanglement and Synchronization

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the feasibility of using quantum entanglement for clock synchronization, specifically referencing the article by Tang et al. (2023) which demonstrates quantum clock synchronization over a 75 km fiber network. The consensus is that while quantum entanglement allows for correlated measurements, it does not enable faster-than-light signaling, thus making synchronization via this method impossible. The fundamental misunderstanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly regarding measurement and state collapse, is highlighted as a critical factor in this debate.

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  • Understanding of quantum entanglement principles
  • Familiarity with quantum measurement theory
  • Knowledge of clock synchronization techniques
  • Basic grasp of quantum communication networks
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  • Study the article by Tang et al. on quantum clock synchronization
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James Hasty
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TL;DR
Can Quantum Entanglement be used as a means to Synchronize Clocks?
Given two quantum entangled particles A and B, let each be located inside one of two identical clocks. Let each clock be set to zero time the instant either particle A or B is measured or changes state. Could this mechanism be utilized to synchronize the clocks?
 
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Evidently this has been proven possible. See the following article:

Tang, BY., Tian, M., Chen, H. et al. Demonstration of 75 km-fiber quantum clock synchronization in quantum entanglement distribution network. EPJ Quantum Technol. 10, 50 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-023-00207-9
 
James Hasty said:
TL;DR Summary: Can Quantum Entanglement be used as a means to Synchronize Clocks?

Given two quantum entangled particles A and B, let each be located inside one of two identical clocks. Let each clock be set to zero time the instant either particle A or B is measured or changes state. Could this mechanism be utilized to synchronize the clocks?
No, that would require faster than light signaling. This is not possible.
 
James Hasty said:
Evidently this has been proven possible. See the following article:

Tang, BY., Tian, M., Chen, H. et al. Demonstration of 75 km-fiber quantum clock synchronization in quantum entanglement distribution network. EPJ Quantum Technol. 10, 50 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-023-00207-9
The mechanism described there is not what you propose in your original post.
 
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James Hasty said:
TL;DR Summary: Can Quantum Entanglement be used as a means to Synchronize Clocks?

Given two quantum entangled particles A and B, let each be located inside one of two identical clocks. Let each clock be set to zero time the instant either particle A or B is measured or changes state. Could this mechanism be utilized to synchronize the clocks?
I guess your idea is to measure A and simultaneously B "changes state", which is instantly observed by clock B.

That misunderstands quantum entanglement. There is no way to know by observing B when A has been measured.
 
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James Hasty said:
Given two quantum entangled particles A and B, let each be located inside one of two identical clocks. Let each clock be set to zero time the instant either particle A or B is measured or changes state. Could this mechanism be utilized to synchronize the clocks?
No. There is no way of distinguishing a so-called collapsed state from an uncollapsed state (the “so-called” is there because even trying to make that distinction betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of the theory). All we know is the time that we made our measurement, and with our result we can predict the result at the other end when and if that measurement is made (and for all we know, it has been already made).
 
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Thank you all for your replies.
 

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