W as the Edge of a Wedge: Bell Correlations via Constrained Colliders

TL;DR

This paper proposes that Bell correlations can be explained as a collider bias effect within a boundary constraint, potentially reconciling quantum nonlocality with relativity, especially in W-shaped Bell experiments.

Contribution

It extends previous collider bias explanations of Bell correlations to W-shaped experiments and argues for broader applicability to general cases.

Findings

Validates collider bias explanation for W-shaped Bell experiments

Suggests extension of the model to V-shaped Bell experiments

Provides a new perspective on reconciling Bell nonlocality with relativity

Abstract

In previous work with Ken Wharton, it was proposed that Bell correlations are a special sort of selection artefact, explained by a combination of (i) collider bias and (ii) a boundary constraint on the collider variable. This requires no direct causal influence outside lightcones, and may hence offer a new way to reconcile Bell nonlocality and relativity. This piece outlines a new argument for the proposal. It explains how it is valid for a special class of ('W-shaped') Bell experiments involving delayed-choice entanglement swapping, and argues that it can be extended to the general ('V-shaped') case. A detailed version of the argument is now available in arXiv:2406.04571 [quant-ph].