What question did this study set out to answer?

To test the validity of realistic local theories by measuring polarization correlations of photons in a radiative atomic cascade.

August 17, 1981Open Access

Experimental Tests of Realistic Local Theories via Bell's Theorem

Key Points

To test the validity of realistic local theories by measuring polarization correlations of photons in a radiative atomic cascade.
Measured linear polarization correlation of photons from a calcium atomic cascade.
Utilized a high-efficiency source for improved statistical accuracy.
Conducted tests of photon correlations over source-polarizer separations of up to 6.5 m.
Results strongly violated generalized Bell's inequalities.
Findings closely aligned with quantum mechanical predictions.
No significant changes observed in outcomes with varying source-polarizer distances.

Abstract

We have measured the linear polarization correlation of the photons emitted in a radiative atomic cascade of calcium. A high-efficiency source provided an improved statistical accuracy and an ability to perform new tests. Our results, in excellent agreement with the quantum mechanical predictions, strongly violate the generalized Bell's inequalities, and rule out the whole class of realistic local theories. No significant change in results was observed with source-polarizer separations of up to 6.5 m.

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Discussion

Authors

Alain Aspect

Philippe Grangier

Gérard Roger

Journals

Physical Review Letters

Actions

Institutions

Université Paris-Sud

Institut d’Optique Graduate School

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Experimental Tests of Realistic Local Theories via Bell's Theorem

Key Points

Abstract

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Discussion

Authors

Journals

Actions

Institutions

References and Citations

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Discussion

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