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arXiv:1704.02172

Reply to L.Vaidman's comment on "Asking photons where they have been in plain language"

D. Sokolovski

Published Apr 7, 2017• 4 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Vaidman's analysis of the photon's past is based on incorrect interpretation of quantum probability amplitudes. The confusion stems from his original work [{\it Phys. Rev. Lett.} \textbf{60}, 1351 (1988)], which missed the connection between the amplitudes and the "weak values" introduced therein.
DOI
10.48550/arxiv.1704.02172

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Using the most basic mathematical tools, I present the full analysis of the experiment decribed in [A. Danan, D. Farfurnik, S. Bar-Ad, and L. Vaidman, {\em Phys. Rev. Lett.} {\bf 111}, 240402 (2013)]. First, I confirm that the data presented therein are in full agreement with the standard quantum mechanics. I then show other symptoms of presence of photons at all mirrors in the setup. I then analytically explain both the absence of peaks a Readers of [A. Danan, D. Farfurnik, S. Bar-Ad, and L. Vaidman, {\em Phys. Rev. Lett.} {\bf 111}, 240402 (2013)] are made to expect and presence of those not discussed in the Reference.