Uncovering Uncertainty: The Experimental Covariance Curve for Entangled Photons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the experimental covariance curve for entangled photons, particularly in relation to the violation of Bell inequalities. Participants explore the implications of observed covariance values and the predictability of measurements in quantum mechanics, addressing both theoretical calculations and experimental accuracy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that an experimental covariance curve for entangled photons shows abs(Cov(0)) less than 1, referencing Gisin's group's work on Bell inequalities.
  • One participant questions whether this implies a lack of certainty in predictions, suggesting that knowing one value does not allow for 100% certainty in predicting the other.
  • Another participant points out that standard quantum mechanics predicts -cos(theta), indicating certainty at theta equals 0, and questions whether the theory needs adjustment or if the experimental results are due to inaccuracies.
  • A later reply mentions that no experiment is perfect, highlighting the presence of uncorrelated background noise that can affect correlation measurements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the experimental results and the reliability of theoretical predictions. There is no consensus on whether the theory or the experiment is at fault for discrepancies.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential unaccounted background noise in experiments and the dependence on specific definitions of correlation and covariance in quantum mechanics.

jk22
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Some experimental covariance curve for entangled photons gives abs(Cov(0)) less than 1.
For example : Violation of Bell inequalities by photons more than 10km apart by Gisin's group in Geneva.

Does this mean that experimentally we can't predict with certainty in this case ?

In order to explain that curve I made a quantum calculation that leads to Cov(theta) equals -7/8*cos(theta) but i find it a bit weird and don't know if i can put it in this forum.
 
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Does this mean that experimentally we can't predict with certainty in this case ?
Knowing one value, we cannot predict the other with 100% certainty in this case, right.
 
However standard qm gives -cos(theta) and hence predict with certainty at theta equals 0.

So is the theory with something to be changed in order to get nearer to the experimental result or is it the experiment which is not accurate enough ?
 
I don't know which specific experiment you mean, but no experiment is perfect. You always have uncorrelated background (or even background correlated in the wrong way), which reduces correlation.
 

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