Particle Entanglement Explained: Can 2+ Be Entangled?

In summary, all types of particles can be entangled, regardless of their initial state. They do not have to be the same type and there can be more than two particle entanglement. The process of entanglement is complex and can involve various interactions between particles. Some experts suggest that everything is entangled with everything else, but this concept can be context-dependent and may only apply to specific forms of entanglement.
  • #1
rpthomps
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Can all types of particles be entangled? Do they have to be the same (electron/electron, etc.)
Can more than two be entangled?
How do you entangle in the first place?
 
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  • #2
rpthomps said:
Can all types of particles be entangled? Do they have to be the same (electron/electron, etc.)
Can more than two be entangled?
How do you entangle in the first place?

Theoretically, any particle type could be entangled. They do not need to be the same type. And there can be more than 2 particle entanglement.

How you entangle objects is a big subject of its own, and gets complicated very quickly.
 
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  • #3
rpthomps said:
Can all types of particles be entangled?
Yes. Even when initially unentangled, any interaction between two particles will immediately lead to entanglement.
 
  • #4
A. Neumaier said:
Yes. Even when initially unentangled, any interaction between two particles will immediately lead to entanglement.
Yes, that's technically true even in situations where that entanglement consists of nothing more than conservation rules. But is it then fair to say that they were not entangled prior to interaction when the conservation rules still applied? Or how about forward elastic scattering of spinless particles where no particle changes its state? In fact, if they were some long term consequence of some primeval "big bang" (or many worlds history) then were they not already entangled by previous interaction -- however insignificant that entanglement may be for their state prior to interaction?

It seems to me we are left with a choice of either (1) employ the very general idea that everything is entangled with everything else (which seems redundant for QM) or (2) reserve the concept as context-dependent for specific forms of entanglement for specific objects where the entanglement is observably significant as something more than a conservation rule but more like a superselection rule (even partial).
 
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  • #5
mikeyork said:
It seems to me we are left with a choice of either (1) employ the very general idea that everything is entangled with everything else (which seems redundant for QM)

From the various Professors of Physics (including Professors of Philosophy, specialising in Philosophy of Physics) I've written to about this, as well as information in different books, they've all stated everything is entangled with everything else.
 
  • #6
StevieTNZ said:
From the various Professors of Physics (including Professors of Philosophy, specialising in Philosophy of Physics) I've written to about this, as well as information in different books, they've all stated everything is entangled with everything else.
The end of loneliness. How so very zen.
 
  • #7
mikeyork said:
1) employ the very general idea that everything is entangled with everything else
This is indeed the case, unless you prepare special initial conditions for a few degrees of freedom to which the discussion is restricted, and you ensure that, for some time, these are preserved by the interaction. Thus there is almost no freedom to choose.
 

1. What is particle entanglement?

Particle entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum mechanics where two or more particles become connected in such a way that the state of one particle is dependent on the state of the other particle, regardless of the distance between them.

2. How does particle entanglement occur?

Particle entanglement occurs when two or more particles interact or are created in such a way that their quantum states become correlated. This can happen through various methods, such as through collisions or interactions with other particles.

3. Can more than two particles be entangled?

Yes, particle entanglement can occur between any number of particles. However, the more particles that are entangled, the more complex the quantum system becomes.

4. What is the significance of particle entanglement?

Particle entanglement is significant because it allows for the transfer of information and properties between particles instantaneously, regardless of the distance between them. This has potential applications in quantum communication and computing.

5. Is particle entanglement a proven phenomenon?

Yes, particle entanglement has been extensively studied and demonstrated in various experiments. It is a well-established concept in quantum mechanics and has been verified through numerous experiments and observations.

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