Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site petsd.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxj!houxm!vax135!petsd!cjh From: cjh@petsd.UUCP (Chris Henrich) Newsgroups: net.physics Subject: Quantum mechanics, Aspect experiment, EPR paradox Message-ID: <361@petsd.UUCP> Date: Tue, 9-Oct-84 19:14:59 EDT Article-I.D.: petsd.361 Posted: Tue Oct 9 19:14:59 1984 Date-Received: Wed, 10-Oct-84 06:22:48 EDT Organization: Perkin-Elmer DSG, Tinton Falls, N.J. Lines: 42 [] Here is a suggestion for "resolving" the "paradox" of the Aspect experiment: The experimenters create a situation in which two particles are widely separated, but a correlation exists between their states. As a result, when one particle is observed, something appears to travel from the site of that observation to the other one. This appearance vanishes, if we say that the correlation between the two particles exists in both places where the particles are. I think this is a usable way of speaking. After all, the correlation is a physical reality, since its presence can be tested. If its location does not consist of both places, what is its location? Note that the idea of a bilocated entity is implicit in the formalism of wave mechanics for a two-particle system. The Schroedinger wave function of this system determines a probability distribution over the set of *pairs* of possible locations for the component parts. I am not really happy with my own suggestion; I think it does not get at the heart of any terribly important matter. That is why I put quote-marks around the words 'paradox' and 'resolving.' I can't be sure that I have resolved a paradox, because I can't seem to convince myself that a paradox has been pointed out. After all, somebody remarked that the mysterious action at a distance can be emulated by putting a marble in one of two boxes and separating the boxes. There is something very odd about the metaphysical foundations of quantum mechanics. I am reminded of the experience of waking up with a headache: while still mostly asleep, I was dimly aware of a discomfort, though quite unable to categorize it. The paradox of quantum mechanics is just as elusive as the location of my headache. Regards, Chris -- Full-Name: Christopher J. Henrich UUCP: ..!(cornell | ariel | ukc | houxz)!vax135!petsd!cjh US Mail: MS 313; Perkin-Elmer; 106 Apple St; Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 Phone: (201) 870-5853