In this Letter, we explore the possibility of developing Bell inequalities predicated on models using a single Local Hidden Variable (s-LHV), a strict subset of general LHV models. Because of the less strenuous constraints imposed by s-LHV models, we were able to derive a contingent Bell inequality in analogy to the CHSH inequality, but which does not require bounding of measurement statistics. Following this, we show by explicit example that there are cases of states that rule out s-LHV models by violating our inequality, but which nonetheless have a multivariate LHV model. Even so, we show how merely ruling out s-LHV models is still sufficient to allow for fully device independent quantum key distribution (QKD) and entanglement witnessing. This being the case, our inequality illustrates two things. First, it makes fully device-independent QKD on continuous variables substantially more straightforward. Second, it shows how the degree of correlation needed to demonstrate device-independent QKD is distinct from both Bell-nonlocality and EPR-steering. Although nonlocality in general requires ruling out all LHV models, s-LHV models are sufficiently useful to warrant further exploration.
In this Letter, we explore the possibility of developing Bell inequalities predicated on models using a single Local Hidden Variable (s-LHV), a strict subset of general LHV models. Because of the less strenuous constraints imposed by s-LHV models, we were able to derive a contingent Bell inequality in analogy to the CHSH inequality, but which does not require bounding of measurement statistics. Following this, we show by explicit example that there are cases of states that rule out s-LHV models by violating our inequality, but which nonetheless have a multivariate LHV model. Even so, we show how merely ruling out s-LHV models is still sufficient to allow for fully device independent quantum key distribution (QKD) and entanglement witnessing. This being the case, our inequality illustrates two things. First, it makes fully device-independent QKD on continuous variables substantially more straightforward. Second, it shows how the degree of correlation needed to demonstrate device-independent QKD is distinct from both Bell-nonlocality and EPR-steering. Although nonlocality in general requires ruling out all LHV models, s-LHV models are sufficiently useful to warrant further exploration.
An alternative method of detection-loophole-free Bell test is proposed using local hidden variable (LHV) models with optimal detection efficiencies. A framework for constructing such optimal LHV models is presented. Optimal LHV models for maximally and non-maximally entangled twopartite states are constructed to reproduce the quantum correlations within the critical detection efficiencies. The LHV models are shown to be completely equivalent with the existing twopartite Bell inequalities in their optimized setups, and to have even lower critical efficiencies in the LHV modes' own optimized setups. Applications in Bell tests and in device-independent quantum information processing are discussed.
Bell nonlocality is the experimentally testable incompatibility between quantum correlations and explanations based on local hidden variables. Its significance now extends beyond the foundations of quantum mechanics: a Bell-inequality violation can certify entanglement, randomness, measurement incompatibility, and cryptographic security without requiring a detailed model of the devices producing the observed data. This article develops the mathematical structure of Bell experiments and explains its role in device-independent quantum information. Conditional probability distributions are classified into local, quantum, and no-signalling sets; the Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt inequality is derived, and its classical, quantum, and algebraic limits are distinguished. Tsirelson’s bound is obtained from the CHSH operator, while Popescu-Rohrlich correlations demonstrate that no-signalling alone does not identify the quantum set. The relation between entanglement and nonlocality is examined through local entangled states, hidden nonlocality, and activation. Nonlocal games, semidefinite relaxations, self-testing, certified randomness, and device-independent quantum key distribution are treated as operational consequences of Bell violation. Particular attention is given to entropy accumulation, finite-data security, loophole-free experiments, and the limitations of device independence. Bell nonlocality emerges as both a foundational separation between classical and quantum causal models and a quantitative resource for cryptographic and informational tasks.
The essence of Bell’s theorem is that, in general, quantum statistics cannot be reproduced by a local hidden variable (LHV) model. This impossibility is strongly manifested when statistics collected by measuring certain local observables on a singlet state, violates the Bell inequality. In this work, we search for local POVMs with binary outcomes for which an LHV model can be constructed for a singlet state. We provide various subsets of observables for which an LHV model can be provided for singlet statistics.
The Bell inequality is thought to be a common constraint shared by all models of local hidden variables that aim to describe the entangled states of two qubits. Since the inequality is violated by the quantum mechanical description of these states, it purportedly allows distinguishing in an experimentally testable way the predictions of quantum mechanics from those of models of local hidden variables and, ultimately, ruling the latter out. In this paper, we show, however, that the models of local hidden variables constrained by the Bell inequality all share a subtle, though crucial, feature that is not required by fundamental physical principles and, hence, it might not be fulfilled in the actual experimental setup that tests the inequality. Indeed, the disputed feature neither can be properly implemented within the standard framework of quantum mechanics and it is even at odds with the fundamental principle of relativity. Namely, the proof of the inequality requires the existence of a preferred absolute frame of reference (supposedly provided by the lab) with respect to which the hidden properties of the entangled particles and the orientations of each one of the measurement devices that test them can be independently defined through a long sequence of realizations of the experiment. We notice, however, that while the relative orientation between the two measurement devices is a properly defined physical magnitude in every single realization of the experiment, their global rigid orientation with respect to a lab frame is a spurious gauge degree of freedom. Following this observation, we were able to explicitly build a model of local hidden variables that does not share the disputed feature and, hence, it is able to reproduce the predictions of quantum mechanics for the entangled states of two qubits.
The Bell's inequality is thought to be a common constraint shared by all models of local hidden variables that aim to describe the entangled states of two qubits. Since the inequality is violated by the quantum mechanical description of these states, it purportedly allows distinguishing in an experimentally testable way the predictions of quantum mechanics from those of models of local hidden variables and, ultimately, ruling the latter out. In this paper, we show, however, that the models of local hidden variables constrained by the Bell's inequality all share a subtle, though crucial, feature that is not required by fundamental physical principles and, hence, it might not be fulfilled in the actual experimental setup that tests the inequality. Indeed, the disputed feature neither can be properly implemented within the standard framework of quantum mechanics and it is even at odds with the fundamental principle of relativity. Namely, the proof of the inequality requires the existence of a preferred absolute frame of reference (supposedly provided by the lab) with respect to which the hidden properties of the entangled particles and the orientations of each one of the measurement devices that test them can be independently defined through a long sequence of realizations of the experiment. We notice, however, that while the relative orientation between the two measurement devices is a properly defined physical magnitude in every single realization of the experiment, their global rigid orientation with respect to a lab frame is a spurious gauge degree of freedom. Following this observation, we were able to explicitly build a model of local hidden variables that does not share the disputed feature and, hence, it is able to reproduce the predictions of quantum mechanics for the entangled states of two qubits.
Bell’s inequality is an empirical constraint on theories with hidden variables, which Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen argued are needed to explain observed perfect correlations if keeping locality. One way to deal with the empirical violation of Bell’s inequality is by openly embracing nonlocality, in a theory like the pilot-wave theory. Nonetheless, recent proposals have revived the possibility that one can avoid nonlocality by resorting to superdeterministic theories. These are local hidden variables theories which violate statistical independence which is one assumption of Bell’s inequality. In this paper I compare and contrast these two hidden variable strategies: the pilot-wave theory and superdeterminism. I show that even if the former is nonlocal and the other is not, both are contextual. Nonetheless, in contrast with the pilot-wave theory, superdeterminist contextuality makes it impossible to test the theory (which therefore becomes unfalsifiable and unconfirmable) and renders the theory uninformative (measurement results tell us nothing about the system). It is questionable therefore whether a theory with these features is worth its costs.