Understanding spin and axis in quantum entanglement

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of "spin along axis" in quantum entanglement, specifically regarding photons and electrons. Participants clarify that while particles like photons and electrons possess spin, their behavior differs significantly from classical objects. The conversation highlights that in curved spacetime, a particle's spin axis is parallel transported along a geodesic, ensuring that Bob's axes correspond uniquely to Alice's measurements, despite potential distortions caused by gravity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly spin and entanglement.
  • Familiarity with curved spacetime concepts in general relativity.
  • Knowledge of geodesics and parallel transport in physics.
  • Basic grasp of Cartesian coordinate systems and their application in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of spin in quantum mechanics, focusing on electron and photon behavior.
  • Study the effects of gravity on spacetime and how it influences quantum measurements.
  • Explore the mathematical framework of geodesics and parallel transport in curved spacetime.
  • Investigate the implications of quantum entanglement in non-inertial reference frames.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in the intricacies of quantum entanglement and the effects of spacetime on particle behavior.

San K
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I don't have a good grasp of "spin along axis" topic, so pardon my dumb questions:

1. Does a photon/electron have a different spin across each of the 3 axis?

i understand that the spin of an electron/photon is not the same as that of, say, a ball

2. Gravity can distort time-space (and hence the axis?).

Alice is in a gravity free part of space-time. Bob takes the other entangled photon and is in a space-time region that is distorted by gravity.

If Alice measures the spin of her entangled photon along say the "x-axis"

how does Bob figure out what his "x-axis" is? does Bob simply make adjustments for the new Cartesian system based on the formulas (for distortion of space time by gravity)?

3. If a photon is traveling along x-axis, does it have one spin each for each of the three axis? thus a total of 3 spins...if you are making calculations in the Cartesian system
 
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If Alice measures the spin of her entangled photon along say the "x-axis", how does Bob figure out what his "x-axis" is?
Good question. Bob's particle must be noninteracting until it is measured. In a curved spacetime this means the particle follows a geodesic, and its spin axis is parallel transported. So although each of Bob's axes x, y, z may not be "the same" as Alice's, they correspond uniquely to those of Alice.
 
Bill_K said:
Good question. Bob's particle must be noninteracting until it is measured. In a curved spacetime this means the particle follows a geodesic, and its spin axis is parallel transported. So although each of Bob's axes x, y, z may not be "the same" as Alice's, they correspond uniquely to those of Alice.

well answered, thanks Bill
 

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