Experiment Investigating the Connection between Weak Values and Contextuality

TL;DR

This paper experimentally explores the link between weak values and quantum contextuality, providing evidence that weak values are indicative of the contextual nature of quantum mechanics, thus contributing to foundational understanding.

Contribution

It experimentally verifies the connection between weak values and quantum contextuality, building on Pusey's theorem to demonstrate their intrinsic link.

Findings

Weak values are connected to quantum contextuality.

Experimental confirmation of Pusey's theorem.

Weak values indicate the contextual nature of quantum mechanics.

Abstract

Weak value measurements have recently given rise to a large interest for both the possibility of measurement amplification and the chance of further quantum mechanics foundations investigation. In particular, a question emerged about weak values being proof of the incompatibility between Quantum Mechanics and Non-Contextual Hidden Variables Theories (NCHVT). A test to provide a conclusive answer to this question was given in [M. Pusey, Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 200401 (2014)], where a theorem was derived showing the NCHVT incompatibility with the observation of anomalous weak values under specific conditions. In this paper we realize this proposal, clearly pointing out the strict connection between weak values and the contextual nature of Quantum Mechanics.