The EPR paradox and Bell's theorem: quantum mechanics versus reality (Spring term) (SCE 16(z))

  • Day and time: Tuesday 10:00 - 11:00
    Weekly
  • Length of course: 1 term. Spring (6 Weeks)
  • Number of places: 25
  • Start date: 16 January 2024
  • Description:

    It's difficult to do most advanced physics without serious mathematics, but there is an exception. In 1935, Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen wrote a paper (often called EPR) claiming that the prevailing interpretation of quantum mechanics was inconsistent with reality. In 1964, the Irish physicist John Bell generalized their idea, framing it as a simple experimentally testable equation. The result of the experiment was "Quantum Mechanics - 1: Reality - 0".  EPR's concept of reality was shown to be incorrect. The worrying thing is that their concept might be summed up as "Things have properties". After a quick review of quantum mechanics, photons, and polarization, we'll dive into EPR, Bell's work, Aspect's experiments, and their implications. The concepts here are very challenging but fortunately the maths is relatively easy, trigonometry and probability. This is my third year running this course - I'm gradually getting my head around it!

  • Format: Lecture

  • Tutor: John Cook
  • I've been working in scientific research for about 50 years; I hope to get a better understanding of the EPR paradox by teaching it.


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