What is nonlocality in relativity ?

In summary, the correlation in a Bell experiment can be explained by considering three solutions: faster than light communication, preexisting values revealed at each measurement point, and nonlocality. However, faster than light communication is ruled out by relativity and preexisting values are ruled out by Bell's theorem. This leaves nonlocality as the only remaining explanation, but its meaning is still unclear and not necessarily in conflict with relativity.
  • #1
jk22
729
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To explain the correlation in a Bell experiments three solution are considered :
1) faster than light communication
2) preexisting values are revealed at each measurement points
3) nonlocality applies

1) is ruled out by relativity
2) is ruled out by Bell's theoremRemains nonlocality. But what does it mean ?

Is it that in relativity if we go at the speed of light then therr is no space anymore in that reference frame ? Namely if we look at the Lorentz transformation $$x'=\frac {x-vt}{\sqrt {-v^2/c^2}} $$ then v=c is singular.

If we imagine a photon sending a signal from A to B then in its frame all the space between A and B condensate into a single point at infinity since we divide by zero.

This would mean that along A and B in the frame of the phophoton there is no distance hence it were nonlocal and compatible with relativity ?
 
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  • #2
A photon has no (rest) frame - only massive objects can have one. The signal is sent by massive sources to massive detectors; it only travels (in case of photons) at the speed of light.

This is completely independent of nonlocality issues.
 
  • #3
jk22 said:
To explain the correlation in a Bell experiments three solution are considered :
1) faster than light communication
...
1) is ruled out by relativity
I would not say that faster than light communication is ruled out by relativity.
First, it is possible that relativity, or more precisely Lorentz invariance, is only an emergent approximative symmetry not valid at the fundamental level.
Second, even if it is fundamental, it is not necessarily in contradiction with faster than light communication:
http://lanl.arxiv.org/abs/1006.1986
http://lanl.arxiv.org/abs/1002.3226
 

What is nonlocality in relativity?

Nonlocality in relativity refers to the concept that events that are occurring in different locations can be connected in a way that is not explained by traditional notions of causality. This means that something happening in one location can affect something happening in another location instantaneously, without any physical connection between the two.

How is nonlocality different from locality?

Locality is the idea that events can only be influenced by other events that are happening in their immediate vicinity. Nonlocality, on the other hand, suggests that events can be connected and influenced by events that are happening in distant locations, without any apparent physical connection.

What is the role of Einstein's theory of relativity in understanding nonlocality?

Einstein's theory of relativity is the foundation for understanding nonlocality. It introduced the concept of space-time and the idea that the speed of light is constant regardless of the observer's frame of reference. This allows for the possibility of nonlocal connections between events in different locations.

How does quantum mechanics relate to nonlocality in relativity?

Quantum mechanics, specifically the phenomenon of entanglement, provides evidence for the existence of nonlocality in relativity. Entanglement is a quantum state in which two particles become linked in such a way that the state of one particle is dependent on the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them.

Can nonlocality be observed or measured?

There is currently no way to directly observe or measure nonlocality. However, its effects can be observed through experiments that demonstrate entanglement and other phenomena predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity. Nonlocality is a theoretical concept that helps us understand the fundamental nature of the universe.

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