Quantum Nonlocality and Reality

Jeff Tollaksen

Subhash C. Kak

According to the no-signaling theorem, the nonlocal collapse of the wavefunction of an entangled particle by the measurement on its twin particle at a remote location cannot be used to send useful information. Given that experiments on nonlocal correlations continue to have loopholes, we propose a stronger principle that the nonlocality of quantum mechanics itself is veiled. In practical terms, decoherence and noise compels us to view the wavefunction as representing knowledge of potential outcomes rather than the reality. Experimental evidence in favor of naked nonlocality would support the view of the wavefunction as an objective description of physical reality.

Harshank Shrotriya

Sandu Popescu

Fred H. Thaheld

this paper was written around the same time as Bell's landmark paper which addressed the problem of nonlocality [2]. This question of nonlocality had first been raised by Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen (EPR) who claimed that if quantum mechanics were a complete model of reality, then nonlocal interactions between particles had to exist. [3]. Since they felt that nonlocality was impossible, quantum mechanics either had to be wrong or at least incomplete. An experiment was later performed that showed that nonlocal influences do exist once these particles interact and, that one can test the explicit quantum nature of systems via the use of EPR nonlocality [4]. And, as per Feynman, since this nonlocality cannot be duplicated by a classical system, this enables it to be used to test the quantum nature of systems [5]. The experiments performed and the results obtained were as follows

Subhash C. Kak, Deepak Chopra, Menas C. Kafatos

Our sense of reality is different from its mathematical basis as given by physical theories. Although nature at its deepest level is quantum mechanical and nonlocal, it appears to our minds in everyday experience as local and classical. Since the same laws should govern all phenomena, we propose this difference in the nature of perceived reality is due to the principle of veiled nonlocality that is associated with consciousness. Veiled nonlocality allows consciousness to operate and present what we experience as objective reality. In other words, this principle allows us to consider consciousness indirectly, in terms of how consciousness operates. We consider different theoretical models commonly used in physics and neuroscience to describe veiled nonlocality. Furthermore, if consciousness as an entity leaves a physical trace, then laboratory searches for such a trace should be sought for in nonlocality, where probabilities do not conform to local expectations.