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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
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