Event-by-event simulation of a quantum delayed-choice experiment

TL;DR

This paper presents an event-by-event simulation of a quantum delayed-choice experiment, reproducing quantum predictions without relying on wave mechanics, suggesting classical cause-and-effect explanations are possible.

Contribution

It introduces a novel simulation approach that models quantum experiments on an event-by-event basis without quantum theory assumptions.

Findings

Simulation results match quantum theoretical predictions

Demonstrates cause-and-effect explanations for quantum phenomena

Supports classical interpretations of quantum experiments

Abstract

The quantum delayed-choice experiment of Tang et al. [Nature Photonics 6 (2012) 600] is simulated on the level of individual events without making reference to concepts of quantum theory or without solving a wave equation. The simulation results are in excellent agreement with the quantum theoretical predictions of this experiment. The implication of the work presented in the present paper is that the experiment of Tang et al. can be explained in terms of cause-and-effect processes in an event-by-event manner.