Comment on: Bell tests explained by classical optics without quantum entanglement

TL;DR

This paper critiques a classical optics explanation for Bell test results, showing it cannot reproduce quantum violations of Bell inequalities and emphasizing the necessity of quantum mechanics.

Contribution

It clarifies that classical local hidden variables models cannot account for Bell inequality violations observed in experiments.

Findings

Classical optics models do not violate Bell-CHSH inequalities.

Monte Carlo simulations confirm the limitations of classical explanations.

Quantum mechanics remains essential for explaining Bell test violations.

Abstract

In a paper published in the journal Physics Essays in 2021, the author D.L. Mamas writes "A polarized photon interacts with a polarizer through the component of the photon's electric field which is aligned with the polarizer. This component varies as the cosine of the angle through which the polarizer is rotated, explaining the cosine observed in Bell test data. Quantum mechanics is unnecessary and plays no role". Mamas is right that according to this physical model, one will observe a negative cosine. However, the amplitude of the cosine curve is 50%, not 100%, and it consequently does not violate any Bell-CHSH inequality. Mamas' physical model is a classic local hidden variables model. The result is illustrated with a Monte Carlo simulation.