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

Journal of Physics A Mathematical and General

A hidden-variables versus quantum mechanics experiment

Adán Cabello, Guillermo García Alcaine

Published Jul 7, 1995• 12 citations
Publisher

Abstract

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.
DOI
10.1088/0305-4470/28/13/016

Related papers

Experimental Implementation of a Kochen-Specker Set of Quantum Tests

Vincenzo D’Ambrosio, Isabelle Herbauts, Elias Amselem +4 more

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.

arXiv:1209.1836•Physical Review X•Feb 14, 2013•83 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

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

Kochen–Specker theorem studied with neutron interferometer

Yuji Hasegawa, Katharina Durstberger-Rennhofer, Stephan Sponar +1 more

The Kochen-Specker theorem shows the incompatibility of noncontextual hidden variable theories with quantum mechanics. Quantum contextuality is a more general concept than quantum non-locality which is quite well tested in experiments using Bell inequalities. Within neutron interferometry we performed an experimental test of the Kochen-Specker theorem with an inequality, which identifies quantum contextuality, by using spin-path entanglement of single neutrons. Here entanglement is achieved not between different particles, but between degrees of freedom of a single neutron, i.e., between spin and path degree of freedom. Appropriate combinations of the spin analysis and the position of the phase shifter allow an experimental verification of the violation of an inequality derived from the Kochen-Specker theorem. The observed violation 2.291±0.008≰1 clearly shows that quantum mechanical predictions cannot be reproduced by noncontextual hidden variable theories.

arXiv:1004.2836•Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A Accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment•Jul 2, 2010•44 citations

Spin-path entanglement in single-neutron interferometer experiments

Yuji Hasegawa, Daniel Erdősi, Dipankar Home +2 more

There are two powerful arguments against the possibility of extending quantum mechanics (QM) into a more fundamental theory yielding a deterministic description of nature. One is the experimental violation of Bell inequalities, which discards local hidden‐variable theories as a possible extension to QM. The other is the Kochen‐Specker (KS) theorem, which stresses the incompatibility of QM with a larger class of hidden‐variable theories, known as noncontextual hidden‐variable theories. We performed experiments with neutron interferometer, which exploits spin‐path entanglements in single neutrons. A Bell‐like state is generated to demonstrate a violation of the Bell‐like inequality and phenomena in accordance with KS theorem: both experiments study quantum contextuality and show clear evidence of the incompatibility of noncontextual hidden variable theories with QM. The value S = 2.202±0.007≰2 is obtained in the new measurement of the Bell‐like inequality, which shows a larger violation than the previous measurement. For the study of KS theorem, the obtained violation 2.291±0.008≰1 clearly shows that quantum mechanical predictions cannot be reproduced by noncontextual hidden variable theories.

AIP conference proceedings•Jan 1, 2011•1 citation

A simple proof of the Kochen-Specker theorem

Adán Cabello

The author presents a simple proof of a theorem which places constraints on hidden-variables theories alternative to quantum mechanics.

European Journal of Physics•Jul 1, 1994•23 citations
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.
The Kochen-Specker theorem shows the incompatibility of noncontextual hidden variable theories with quantum mechanics. Quantum contextuality is a more general concept than quantum non-locality which is quite well tested in experiments using Bell inequalities. Within neutron interferometry we performed an experimental test of the Kochen-Specker theorem with an inequality, which identifies quantum contextuality, by using spin-path entanglement of single neutrons. Here entanglement is achieved not between different particles, but between degrees of freedom of a single neutron, i.e., between spin and path degree of freedom. Appropriate combinations of the spin analysis and the position of the phase shifter allow an experimental verification of the violation of an inequality derived from the Kochen-Specker theorem. The observed violation 2.291±0.008≰1 clearly shows that quantum mechanical predictions cannot be reproduced by noncontextual hidden variable theories.
There are two powerful arguments against the possibility of extending quantum mechanics (QM) into a more fundamental theory yielding a deterministic description of nature. One is the experimental violation of Bell inequalities, which discards local hidden‐variable theories as a possible extension to QM. The other is the Kochen‐Specker (KS) theorem, which stresses the incompatibility of QM with a larger class of hidden‐variable theories, known as noncontextual hidden‐variable theories. We performed experiments with neutron interferometer, which exploits spin‐path entanglements in single neutrons. A Bell‐like state is generated to demonstrate a violation of the Bell‐like inequality and phenomena in accordance with KS theorem: both experiments study quantum contextuality and show clear evidence of the incompatibility of noncontextual hidden variable theories with QM. The value S = 2.202±0.007≰2 is obtained in the new measurement of the Bell‐like inequality, which shows a larger violation than the previous measurement. For the study of KS theorem, the obtained violation 2.291±0.008≰1 clearly shows that quantum mechanical predictions cannot be reproduced by noncontextual hidden variable theories.