Experimental Test of an Event-Based Corpuscular Model Modification as an Alternative to Quantum Mechanics

TL;DR

This experiment tests an alternative event-based corpuscular model against quantum mechanics by examining photon interference in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, confirming quantum predictions and falsifying the alternative model.

Contribution

First experimental test distinguishing an event-based corpuscular model from quantum mechanics using photon interference.

Findings

Results agree with quantum mechanics predictions

Falsify the event-based corpuscular model tested

Low-noise single-photon source used for precise measurement

Abstract

We present the first experimental test that distinguishes between an event-based corpuscular model (EBCM) [H. De Raedt et al.: J. Comput. Theor. Nanosci. 8 (2011) 1052] of the interaction of photons with matter and quantum mechanics. The test looks at the interference that results as a single photon passes through a Mach-Zehnder interferometer [H. De Raedt et al.: J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 74 (2005) 16]. The experimental results, obtained with a low-noise single-photon source [G. Brida et al.: Opt. Expr. 19 (2011) 1484], agree with the predictions of standard quantum mechanics with a reduced $\chi^2$ of 0.98 and falsify the EBCM with a reduced $\chi^2$ of greater than 20.