Event-by-event simulation of quantum phenomena: Application to Einstein-Podolosky-Rosen-Bohm experiments

TL;DR

This paper presents event-based simulation models for EPR-Bohm experiments that adhere to local causality, reproduce quantum results, and challenge the common interpretation of Bell's theorem.

Contribution

The authors develop local, event-based models that replicate quantum correlations without relying on quantum or probability theory, providing a new perspective on EPR-Bohm experiments.

Findings

Simulation models match quantum predictions for two-particle systems.

Models satisfy Einstein's local causality criteria.

Analytical proof shows models can reproduce quantum results.

Abstract

We review the data gathering and analysis procedure used in real Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen-Bohm experiments with photons and we illustrate the procedure by analyzing experimental data. Based on this analysis, we construct event-based computer simulation models in which every essential element in the experiment has a counterpart. The data is analyzed by counting single-particle events and two-particle coincidences, using the same procedure as in experiments. The simulation models strictly satisfy Einstein's criteria of local causality, do not rely on any concept of quantum theory or probability theory, and reproduce all results of quantum theory for a quantum system of two $S=1/2$ particles. We present a rigorous analytical treatment of these models and show that they may yield results that are in exact agreement with quantum theory. The apparent conflict with the folklore on Bell's theorem, stating that such models are not supposed to exist, is resolved. Finally, starting from the principles of probable inference, we derive the probability distributions of quantum theory of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen-Bohm experiment without invoking concepts of quantum theory.