Event-by-event simulation of nonclassical effects in two-photon interference experiments

TL;DR

This paper presents a classical, corpuscular simulation model that explains nonclassical two-photon interference effects traditionally attributed to quantum mechanics, challenging the need for quantum explanations.

Contribution

It introduces a locally causal, classical simulation model that reproduces quantum interference visibilities without quantum theory, questioning the nonclassical nature of certain light phenomena.

Findings

Reproduces interference visibilities of 1/2 and 1 with classical models

Explains nonclassical effects without quantum mechanics

Suggests revising criteria for nonclassical light

Abstract

A corpuscular simulation model for second-order intensity interference phenomena is discussed. It is shown that both the visibility ${\cal V}=1/2$ predicted for two-photon interference experiments with two independent sources and the visibility ${\cal V}=1$ predicted for two-photon interference experiments with a parametric down-conversion source can be explained in terms of a locally causal, modular, adaptive, corpuscular, classical (non-Hamiltonian) dynamical system. Hence, there is no need to invoke quantum theory to explain the so-called nonclassical effects in the interference of signal and idler photons in parametric-down conversion. A revision of the commonly accepted criterion of the nonclassical nature of light is needed.