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Experimental falsification of Leggett's nonlocal variable model
Cyril Branciard1, Alexander Ling, Nicolas Gisin
1Group of Applied Physics, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
Physical Review Letters
|February 1, 2008
Summary
This study introduces new inequalities to test nonlocal hidden variable models against quantum physics. Experimental results falsify Leggett's nonlocal model, supporting quantum mechanics predictions.
Area of Science:
- Quantum mechanics
- Foundations of physics
- Nonlocal correlations
Background:
- Bell's theorem demonstrates the impossibility of local hidden variable models reproducing quantum correlations.
- Certain nonlocal variable models may fail to align with quantum physics under reasonable constraints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a family of inequalities for testing Leggett's nonlocal model against quantum physics.
- To experimentally falsify or validate nonlocal models using a finite number of measurement settings.
Main Methods:
- Development of a new set of inequalities.
- Experimental testing of these inequalities using a finite number of measurement settings.
- Comparison of experimental data with predictions from Leggett's nonlocal model and quantum physics.
Main Results:
- Experimental data were collected using a finite number of measurement settings.
- The experimental results falsify Leggett's nonlocal model.
- The findings are in agreement with the predictions of quantum mechanics.
Conclusions:
- Leggett's nonlocal model is inconsistent with experimental observations.
- Quantum mechanics provides an accurate description of the observed correlations.
- The developed inequalities serve as a viable tool for discriminating between quantum theory and certain nonlocal models.
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