Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1209.1836 · Physical Review X

Experimental Implementation of a Kochen-Specker Set of Quantum Tests

Vincenzo D’Ambrosio, Isabelle Herbauts, Elias Amselem, Eleonora Nagali, Mohamed Bourennane, Fabio Sciarrino, Adán Cabello

Published Feb 14, 2013• 83 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

The Kochen-Specker theorem, which excludes noncontextual hidden-variable explanations for the counterintuitive puzzles of quantum mechanics, has been realized for the first time in two different single-photon experiments.
DOI
10.1103/physrevx.3.011012

Related papers

KOCHEN–SPECKER THEOREM AND EXPERIMENTAL TEST ON HIDDEN VARIABLES

Adán Cabello

A recent proposal to experimentally test quantum mechanics against noncontextual hidden-variable theories [Phys. Rev. Lett.80, 1797 (1998)] is shown to be related with the smallest proof of the Kochen–Specker theorem currently known [Phys. Lett.A212, 183 (1996)]. This proof contains eighteen yes-no questions about a four-dimensional physical system, combined in nine mutually incompatible tests. When these tests are considered as tests about a two-part two-state system, then quantum mechanics and noncontextual hidden variables make the same predictions for eight of them, but make different predictions for the ninth. Therefore, this ninth test would allow us to discriminate between quantum mechanics and noncontextual hidden-variable theories in a (gedanken) single run experiment.

arXiv:quant-ph/9911022•International Journal of Modern Physics A•Jul 20, 2000•17 citations

Proposed Experimental Tests of the Bell-Kochen-Specker Theorem

Adán Cabello, Guillermo García Alcaine

For a two-particle two-state system, sets of compatible propositions exist for which quantum mechanics and noncontextual hidden-variable theories make conflicting predictions for every individual system whatever its quantum state. This permits a simple all-or-nothing state-independent experimental verification of the Bell-Kochen-Specker theorem.

arXiv:quant-ph/9709047•Physical Review Letters•Mar 2, 1998•116 citations

A state-independent test of the Kochen–Specker theorem

F. De Zela

We propose a feasible Kochen–Specker experiment with single photons, whose goal is to submit noncontextual hidden-variable theories to nonstatistical, all-or-nothing tests. Our proposal improves some recently performed tests in two respects. First, the present proposal is state-independent, thereby realizing a scheme designed by Cabello and García-Alcaine that was only partially realized in recent experiments. Second, our proposal can deal with non-ideal detectors without invoking the fair sampling assumption.

Journal of Modern Optics•Feb 20, 2009•2 citations

A hidden-variables versus quantum mechanics experiment

Adán Cabello, Guillermo García Alcaine

In the light of the Bell-Kochen-Specker theorem, we examine a feasible experimental test in order to discriminate between non-contextual hidden-variables and some probabilistic predictions of quantum mechanics.

Journal of Physics A Mathematical and General•Jul 7, 1995•12 citations

Hidden-Variable Theorems for Real Experiments

Christoph Simon, Časlav Brukner, Anton Zeilinger

It has recently been questioned whether the Kochen-Specker theorem is relevant to real experiments, which by necessity only have finite precision. We give an affirmative answer to this question by showing how to derive hidden-variable theorems that apply to real experiments, so that noncontextual hidden variables can indeed be experimentally disproved. The essential point is that for the derivation of hidden-variable theorems one does not have to know which observables are really measured by the apparatus. Predictions can be derived for observables that are defined in an entirely operational way.

arXiv:quant-ph/0006043•Physical Review Letters•May 14, 2001•64 citations

Comment on a suggested Kochen-Specker test

R. L. Schafir

A suggestion for an observational test of the difference between quantum mechanics and noncontextual hidden variables theories requires the measurement of a product of two commuting observables without measuring either observable separately. A proposal has been made for doing this, but it is shown to be problematic.

arXiv:quant-ph/0208127•Aug 20, 2002•0 citations
A recent proposal to experimentally test quantum mechanics against noncontextual hidden-variable theories [Phys. Rev. Lett.80, 1797 (1998)] is shown to be related with the smallest proof of the Kochen–Specker theorem currently known [Phys. Lett.A212, 183 (1996)]. This proof contains eighteen yes-no questions about a four-dimensional physical system, combined in nine mutually incompatible tests. When these tests are considered as tests about a two-part two-state system, then quantum mechanics and noncontextual hidden variables make the same predictions for eight of them, but make different predictions for the ninth. Therefore, this ninth test would allow us to discriminate between quantum mechanics and noncontextual hidden-variable theories in a (gedanken) single run experiment.
We propose a feasible Kochen–Specker experiment with single photons, whose goal is to submit noncontextual hidden-variable theories to nonstatistical, all-or-nothing tests. Our proposal improves some recently performed tests in two respects. First, the present proposal is state-independent, thereby realizing a scheme designed by Cabello and García-Alcaine that was only partially realized in recent experiments. Second, our proposal can deal with non-ideal detectors without invoking the fair sampling assumption.
It has recently been questioned whether the Kochen-Specker theorem is relevant to real experiments, which by necessity only have finite precision. We give an affirmative answer to this question by showing how to derive hidden-variable theorems that apply to real experiments, so that noncontextual hidden variables can indeed be experimentally disproved. The essential point is that for the derivation of hidden-variable theorems one does not have to know which observables are really measured by the apparatus. Predictions can be derived for observables that are defined in an entirely operational way.