Classical model of delayed-choice quantum eraser

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that the phenomena observed in the delayed-choice quantum eraser experiment can be explained using a classical, deterministic model involving a random zero-point electromagnetic field, challenging the notion of inherent quantum nonlocality.

Contribution

It introduces a classical deterministic model that reproduces quantum eraser experiment results, questioning the necessity of nonlocal quantum explanations.

Findings

Classical model reproduces quantum eraser results

Zero-point field explains wave-particle duality

Challenges quantum nonlocality assumptions

Abstract

Wheeler's delayed-choice experiment was conceived to illustrate the paradoxical nature of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics. In the experiment, quantum light can exhibit either wave-like interference patterns or particle-like anti-correlations, depending upon the (possibly delayed) choice of the experimenter. A variant known as the quantum eraser uses entangled light to recover the lost interference in a seemingly nonlocal and retrocausal manner. Although it is believed that this behavior is incompatible with classical physics, here we show that the observed quantum phenomena can be reproduced by adopting a simple deterministic detector model and supposing the existence of a random zero-point electromagnetic field.