Looking into the collapse of quantum states with entangled photons

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method using polarization-entangled photon pairs to experimentally distinguish between instantaneous and finite-time wave-function collapse scenarios by analyzing measurement correlations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental scheme to probe the collapse time scale of quantum states using synchronized entangled photon measurements.

Findings

Potential to differentiate collapse models through measurement deviations

Method feasible with current photon entanglement technology

Provides a new approach to understanding quantum measurement dynamics

Abstract

We propose a scheme to investigate the time scale of the wave-function collapse by using polarization-entangled photon pairs. The setup is similar to those employed to investigate quantum correlations, but in the present case, synchronization is essential at all stages. We find that it is possible to discriminate between the scenarios of instantaneous collapse and finite-time reduction via a large number of double measurements of polarization. The quantities to be recorded would present distinct behaviors in each scenario, the deviations being small but distinguishable from pure statistical fluctuations.