Exploring the Role of Wave Plates in Entanglement: A Question of Measurement?

In summary, the conversation discusses entangled photons and how they behave when passing through polarising beam splitters and a vertically aligned wave plate. According to quantum mechanics, the photon is in a superposition of vertical and horizontal polarisations when it hits the beam splitters, but when it reaches the wave plate, the measurement is made and it will be found to be in a vertically polarised state while the other photons take on horizontal polarisations. It is also mentioned that if collapse occurs at either of the polarisers, there is a possibility of seeing a vertically polarised photon at one of the beam splitters. The conversation then asks for further insight on this topic.
  • #1
StevieTNZ
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If we produce a three-pair of entangled photons, and send two of them towards polarising beam splitters, and one towards a vertically aligned wave plate - according to QM we need to describe the photon as being in a superposition of V and H when they hit the beam splitters, but when the photon hits the wave plate - is that the one that makes the measurement, and we'll find that the V polarised photon of the entangled photons coming from the wave plate (the others taking on H polarisations). In comparison, if collapse occurred at either of the polarisers (perhaps delaying the time the photon reaches the wave plate), we might see a V polarised photon at one of the beam splitters?
 
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  • #2
@StevieTNZ did you find any more insight on this topic?
 

1. What is a wave plate?

A wave plate, also known as a retardation plate, is an optical device that is used to alter the polarization state of light. It is made up of birefringent materials, which have two different indices of refraction for light polarized in different directions.

2. How does a wave plate work?

A wave plate works by delaying one of the two perpendicular polarization components of light that pass through it. This delay causes a phase difference between the two components, resulting in a change in the polarization state of the light.

3. What is entanglement?

Entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum mechanics where two or more particles become correlated in such a way that the state of one particle cannot be described without considering the state of the other particles. This means that the particles are inextricably linked, even if they are separated by large distances.

4. How are wave plates and entanglement related?

Wave plates are often used in experiments involving entangled particles. By altering the polarization state of one particle, the state of its entangled partner can also be altered. This allows for the manipulation and control of entangled particles, which is crucial for applications in quantum computing and communication.

5. What are the practical applications of wave plates and entanglement?

Wave plates and entanglement have a wide range of practical applications, including quantum cryptography, quantum teleportation, and quantum computing. They also have potential uses in fields such as medicine, finance, and communication, where highly secure and efficient methods are needed.

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