Proposal to Test a Transient Deviation from Quantum Mechanics' Predictions for Bell's Experiment

Quantum mechanics predicts correlations between measurements performed in distant regions of a spatially spread entangled state to be higher than allowed by intuitive concepts of Locality and Realism. These high correlations forbid the use of nonlinear operators of evolution (which would be desirable for several reasons), for they may allow faster-than-light signaling. As a way out of this situation, it has been hypothesized that the high quantum correlations develop only after a time longer than L/c has elapsed (where L is the spread of the entangled state and c is the velocity of light). In shorter times, correlations compatible with Locality and Realism would be observed instead. A simple hidden variables model following this hypothesis is described. It is based on a modified Wheeler-Feynman theory of radiation. This hypothesis has not been disproved by any of the experiments performed to date. A test achievable with accessible means is proposed and described. It involves a pulsed source of entangled states and stroboscopic record of particle detection during the pulses. Data recorded in similar but incomplete optical experiments are analyzed, and found consistent with the proposed model. However, it is not claimed, in any sense, that the hypothesis has been validated. On the contrary, it is stressed that a complete, specific test is absolutely needed.

Automated summary

Quantum mechanics predicts higher correlations between measurements in entangled states than allowed by intuitive concepts, suggesting that nonlinear operators may lead to faster-than-light signaling. A hypothesis suggests that these high quantum correlations only develop after a certain time has passed, and a hidden variables model based on this hypothesis has not been disproved by experiments. A test proposal involving pulsed sources of entangled states and stroboscopic particle detection records is described.