Correlations of decay times of entangled composite unstable systems

TL;DR

This paper explores the role of time in quantum theory by examining decay time distributions of entangled unstable particles, proposing experiments with entangled kaon pairs to distinguish different theoretical approaches.

Contribution

It introduces a framework for testing various interpretations of decay times in quantum mechanics through proposed experiments with entangled kaons.

Findings

Different approaches to decay time distribution can be experimentally distinguished.

Proposed experiments could clarify the role of Time Operator in quantum decay processes.

Entangled kaon pairs are suitable for testing theoretical predictions about decay times.

Abstract

The role played by Time in the quantum theory is still mysterious by many aspects. In particular it is not clear today whether the distribution of decay times of unstable particles could be described by a Time Operator. As we shall discuss, different approaches to this problem (one could say interpretations) can be found in the literature on the subject. As we shall show, it is possible to conceive crucial experiments aimed at distinguishing the different approaches, by measuring with accuracy the statistical distribution of decay times of entangled particles. Such experiments can be realized in principle with entangled kaon pairs.