The possibility of using retrocausality to obtain a fundamentally relativistic account of the Bell correlations has gained increasing recognition in recent years. It is not known, however, the extent to which these models can make use of their relativistic properties to account for relativistic effects on entangled systems. We consider here a hypothetical relativistic Bell experiment, where one of the wings experiences time-dilation effects. We show that the retrocausal Brans model ( Found. Phys. , 49 (2), 2019) can be easily generalized to analyse this experiment, and that it predicts less separation of eigenpackets in the wing experiencing the time-dilation. This causes the particle distribution patterns on the photographic plates to differ between the wings—an experimentally testable prediction of the model. We discuss the difficulties faced by other hidden variable models in describing this experiment, and their natural resolution in our model due to its relativistic properties. In particular, we discuss how a ψ -epistemic interpretation may resolve several difficulties encountered in relativistic generalizations of de Broglie–Bohm theory and objective state reduction models. Lastly, we argue that it is not clear at present, due to technical difficulties, if our prediction is reproduced by quantum field theory. We conclude that if it is, then the retrocausal Brans model predicts the same result with great simplicity in comparison. If not, the model can be experimentally tested.
The possibility of using retrocausality to obtain a fundamentally relativistic account of the Bell correlations has gained increasing recognition in recent years. It is not known, however, the extent to which these models can make use of their relativistic properties to account for relativistic effects on entangled systems. We consider here a hypothetical relativistic Bell experiment, where one of the wings experiences time-dilation effects. We show that the retrocausal Brans model ( Found. Phys. , 49 (2), 2019) can be easily generalized to analyse this experiment, and that it predicts less separation of eigenpackets in the wing experiencing the time-dilation. This causes the particle distribution patterns on the photographic plates to differ between the wings—an experimentally testable prediction of the model. We discuss the difficulties faced by other hidden variable models in describing this experiment, and their natural resolution in our model due to its relativistic properties. In particular, we discuss how a ψ -epistemic interpretation may resolve several difficulties encountered in relativistic generalizations of de Broglie–Bohm theory and objective state reduction models. Lastly, we argue that it is not clear at present, due to technical difficulties, if our prediction is reproduced by quantum field theory. We conclude that if it is, then the retrocausal Brans model predicts the same result with great simplicity in comparison. If not, the model can be experimentally tested.
We present a simple model demonstrating that time-symmetric (advanced + retarded) relativistic interactions can account for statistical correlations violating the Bell inequalities while avoiding conspiracies as well as the commitment to instantaneous (direct space-like) influences. We provide an explicit statistical analysis of the model while highlighting some of the difficulties arising from retrocausal effects. Finally, we discuss how this account fits into the framework of Bell's theorem.
It has been claimed that quantum mechanics is a non-local theory, i.e., that the predictions of quantum mechanics are at odds with a conception of the world where all the interactions are mediated by local mechanisms. The cited reason is the violation of the Bell inequality in cases where measurements are performed on quantum systems of particles that have interacted in the past. Quantum mechanics predicts that the state of the particles in such a system are correlated, a result obtained from considering a thought-experiment often known as EPR. In this thesis, I will argue that the violation of the Bell inequality in EPR forces us to either accept that causes sometimes act both backwards and forwards in time, or give up some widely-held assumptions about causal relations or the role of causal explanations. First, I will present three principles regarding causality that I take be widely accepted. I will then present the background for the claim the quantum mechanics is a non-local theory, and discuss the implications of non-local causal influences in light of the Special Theory of Relativity. One argument against a causal explanation of the EPR-correlations will be discussed, and different models for the causal structure of EPR will be assessed. I will argue that a retrocausal model – models that include instances of retrocausation, where the direction of causation is the opposite of the direction of time – is the only viable option if we want to uphold the three principles presented in chapter 1. I will discuss the plausibility of rejecting one of these principles, and argue that at least one of the can be restricted in a way that still accounts for our commitment to it. Finally, I will assess the non-local models against the retrocausal models, and argue that a retrocausal model offers interpretational advantages over the non-local alternatives.
Quantum mechanics and general relativity have been extensively and independently confirmed in many experiments. However, the interplay of the two theories has never been tested: all experiments that measured the influence of gravity on quantum systems are consistent with non-relativistic, Newtonian gravity. On the other hand, all tests of general relativity can be described within the framework of classical physics. Here we discuss a quantum interference experiment with single photons that can probe quantum mechanics in curved space-time. We consider a single photon traveling in superposition along two paths in an interferometer, with each arm experiencing a different gravitational time dilation. If the difference in the time dilations is comparable with the photon's coherence time, the visibility of the quantum interference is predicted to drop, while for shorter time dilations the effect of gravity will result only in a relative phase shift between the two arms. We discuss what aspects of the interplay between quantum mechanics and general relativity are probed in such experiments and analyze the experimental feasibility.
Abstract This paper present a unified theoretical framework connecting relativistic time dilation, time–state correlation, and quantum superposition. The physical state of an object is modeled as an objective, continuous time-series function s = f(t). In the unobserved regime, the proper timeline of an object is independent of the observer’s reference frame; during observation, relativistic time dilation induces a corresponding state dilation effect, and the observed value represents the projection of the intrinsic state onto the observer’s timeline. Under elementary observation, classical behavior corresponds to a one-to-one state mapping (1 ≤ n < 2), while quantum behavior arises from a many-to-one relation (n ≥ 2) accompanied by state superposition, probabilistic outcomes, and the loss of temporal order. This paper derive formal superposition-projection formulas for time and state and apply the framework to interpret the double-slit interference experiment. The observed randomness of photon detection originates from unit-time projective sampling rather than fundamental indeterminacy, while the photon maintains a deterministic intrinsic wave function along its proper timeline. This paper predict a stepwise increase in discrete observable states as particle velocity approaches critical relativistic thresholds, supporting a continuous transition from classical to quantum behavior. This framework establishes a consistent bridge between special relativity, classical mechanics, probability theory, and quantum mechanics.
In the debate of the foundations of quantum theory (QM), Bell’s theorem [1] is an important milestone. Based on Einstein’s criticism of completeness [2], Bell formulated an expression for the correlation between distant spin measurements such as described by Bohm [3]. In Bell’s expression, hidden variables to restore locality and causality to the theory (LHV’s) are introduced through a probability (mass) density function and through their influence upon the elementary measurement functions in the two separate wings (denoted by the Aand the B-wing) of the experiment. Many experiments and theoretical developments arose from Bell’s original paper. The most important experiment was performed by Aspect [4]. Aspect’s results were interpreted as a confirmation of the completeness of quantum mechanics. From that point, QM was considered a non-local theory. In a previous paper [5] the present author argued that there was insufficient ground for this conclusion. The author would like to point that merely an appeal to the simplicity and apparent logical truth of Bell’s theorem is advanced to support the exclusive non-locality interpretation. Beyond that, there is no proof that experimental results must exclusively be interpreted in this manner. According to the author the inequalities of Bell were given the status of theorem without sufficient supportive evidence save simplicity. In this paper it will be demonstrated that such a conclusive supportive argument of Bell’s theorem does not exist because an approximate classical model is possible. The principles of the proposed model can also be expressed in numerical terms. This enables numerical simulation of the experiments on a computer. Let us shortly describe a typical idealized Bell experiment. In such an experiment, from a single source, two particles with opposite spin are sent into opposite directions. For instance, we could think of a positron and an electron arising from para-Positronium that are drawn apart by dipole radiation. Subsequently, in the respective wings of the experimental set-up, the spin of the individual particle is measured with a SternGerlach magnet. The measurements are found to be correlated with the, unitary, parameter vectors of the magnets, a = (a1, a2, a3),b = (b1, b2, b3). It is well-known that the QM correlation for singlet state electron and positron is equal to,
Both quantum mechanics and general relativity are based on principles that defy our daily intuitions, such as time dilation, quantum interference and entanglement. Because the regimes where the two theories are typically tested are widely separated, their foundational principles are rarely jointly studied. Recent works have found that novel phenomena appear for quantum particles with an internal structure in the presence of time dilation, which can take place at low energies and in weak gravitational fields. Here we briefly review the effects of time dilation on quantum interference and generalize the results to a variety of systems. In addition, we provide an extended study of the basic principles of quantum theory and relativity that are of relevance for the effects and also address several questions that have been raised, such as the description in different reference frames, the role of the equivalence principle and the effective irreversibility of the decoherence. The manuscript clarifies some of the counterintuitive aspects arising when quantum phenomena and general relativistic effects are jointly considered.