Quataum Entaglement No Longer Spooky
Quataum Entaglement No Longer Spooky
H/T Mark Traphagen
Thanks to Eli Fennell for unearthing this research.
#quantumphysics
Originally shared by Eli Fennell
Quantum Entanglement Survives 'Spookiness' Test
For over eight decades, a debate has raged in the halls of science over a peculiar quantum phenomenon known as Entanglement, nicknamed 'Spooky Action at a Distance'.
When two (or possibly more) particles are entangled, then separated by any apparent distance, an effect on one appears instantaneously to affect the other equivalently. If true, hypothetical Speed of Light Speed Limits on transference of data would be, at the very least, shown not to be absolute.
Skeptics like Einstein, however, have long proposed a 'hidden variables' hypothesis suggesting the 'Spooky' behavior could be a coincidental result of unidentified (i.e. hidden) variables affecting both particles. In the 1960's a researcher named John Bell, in fact, defined the limits of the consistency the two particles could display in order for such an hypothesis to be viable, called (appropriately enough) 'Bell's Limit'.
Unfortunately, due to imperfections and imprecisions in the design of experiments used to test for this over the decades since, allowing for various 'loopholes', the debate has never been fully settled... until now, perhaps.
A new study, using much more sensitive and accurate measurements and closing the possible loopholes, has seemingly shattered the hidden variables hypothesis and upheld the eery and instantaneous consistency of entangled particles.
This could very well have a practical application in Quantum Computing: absolutely secure data transmission, immune to hackers because any intervening interference, i.e. any attempt to hack the transmission would result in detectable changes in the properties of both particles. Change either particle at the source by any attempt to eavesdrop, and the attempt would be instantly recognized for what it was.
So, while old Albert may be rolling over in his grave (assuming anyone is observing him, of course; #PhysicsHumor), his error may be a blessing to all mankind, perhaps destroying malicious hacking as a hobby, pastime, profession, or tool of espionage and warfare in one fell swoop... eventually, once all the practical technological issues are ironed out, which may take quite some time. Still, it is reason for hope, at least.
#QuantumPhysics #Science
http://www.nature.com/news/quantum-spookiness-passes-toughest-test-yet-1.18255
H/T Mark Traphagen
Thanks to Eli Fennell for unearthing this research.
#quantumphysics
Originally shared by Eli Fennell
Quantum Entanglement Survives 'Spookiness' Test
For over eight decades, a debate has raged in the halls of science over a peculiar quantum phenomenon known as Entanglement, nicknamed 'Spooky Action at a Distance'.
When two (or possibly more) particles are entangled, then separated by any apparent distance, an effect on one appears instantaneously to affect the other equivalently. If true, hypothetical Speed of Light Speed Limits on transference of data would be, at the very least, shown not to be absolute.
Skeptics like Einstein, however, have long proposed a 'hidden variables' hypothesis suggesting the 'Spooky' behavior could be a coincidental result of unidentified (i.e. hidden) variables affecting both particles. In the 1960's a researcher named John Bell, in fact, defined the limits of the consistency the two particles could display in order for such an hypothesis to be viable, called (appropriately enough) 'Bell's Limit'.
Unfortunately, due to imperfections and imprecisions in the design of experiments used to test for this over the decades since, allowing for various 'loopholes', the debate has never been fully settled... until now, perhaps.
A new study, using much more sensitive and accurate measurements and closing the possible loopholes, has seemingly shattered the hidden variables hypothesis and upheld the eery and instantaneous consistency of entangled particles.
This could very well have a practical application in Quantum Computing: absolutely secure data transmission, immune to hackers because any intervening interference, i.e. any attempt to hack the transmission would result in detectable changes in the properties of both particles. Change either particle at the source by any attempt to eavesdrop, and the attempt would be instantly recognized for what it was.
So, while old Albert may be rolling over in his grave (assuming anyone is observing him, of course; #PhysicsHumor), his error may be a blessing to all mankind, perhaps destroying malicious hacking as a hobby, pastime, profession, or tool of espionage and warfare in one fell swoop... eventually, once all the practical technological issues are ironed out, which may take quite some time. Still, it is reason for hope, at least.
#QuantumPhysics #Science
http://www.nature.com/news/quantum-spookiness-passes-toughest-test-yet-1.18255
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