Detecting measurement-induced relative-position localisation

TL;DR

This paper proposes an experimentally feasible scheme to test the quantum-to-classical transition hypothesis based on measurement-induced entanglement, extending it from one to three dimensions with potential for high-accuracy confirmation.

Contribution

It introduces a practical experimental method to verify the role of entanglement in classical emergence and discusses Bayesian techniques for precise validation.

Findings

Scheme is experimentally accessible with current technology

Bayesian analysis can confirm the theory to high accuracy

Extension to three-dimensional localisation demonstrated

Abstract

One interpretation of how the classical world emerges from an underlying quantum reality involves the build-up of certain robust entanglements between particles due to scattering events [Science Vol.301 p.1081]. This is an appealing view because it unifies two apparently disparate theories. It says that the uniquely quantum effect of entanglement is associated with classical behaviour. This is distinct from other interpretations that says classicality arises when quantum correlations are lost or neglected in measurements. To date the weakness of this interpretation has been the lack of a clear experimental signature that allows it to be tested. Here we provide a simple experimentally accessible scheme that enables just that. We also discuss a Bayesian technique that could, in principle, allow experiments to confirm the theory to any desired degree of accuracy and we present precision requirements that are achievable with current experiments. Finally, we extend the scheme from its initial one dimensional proof of principle to the more real world scenario of three dimensional localisation.