> When researchers measure an individual particle, the outcome is random, but the properties of the pair are more correlated than classical physics allows, enabling researchers to verify the randomness.
Is this not possibly just random-seeming to us, because we do not know or cannot measure all the variables?
> The process starts by generating a pair of entangled photons inside a special nonlinear crystal. The photons travel via optical fiber to separate labs at opposite ends of the hall.
> Once the photons reach the labs, their polarizations are measured. The outcomes of these measurements are truly random.
I understand that obviously for our purposes (e.g. for encryption), this is safely random, but from a pure science perspective, have we actually proven that the waveform collapsing during measurement is "truly random"?
How could we possibly assert that we've accounted for all variables that could be affecting this? There could be variables at play that we don't even know exist, when it comes to quantum mechanics, no?
A coin toss is completely deterministic if you can account for wind, air resistance, momentum, starting state, mass, etc. But if you don't know that air resistance or wind exists, you could easily conclude it's random.
I ask this as a layman, and I'm really interested if anyone has insight into this.
Is this not possibly just random-seeming to us, because we do not know or cannot measure all the variables?
> The process starts by generating a pair of entangled photons inside a special nonlinear crystal. The photons travel via optical fiber to separate labs at opposite ends of the hall.
> Once the photons reach the labs, their polarizations are measured. The outcomes of these measurements are truly random.
I understand that obviously for our purposes (e.g. for encryption), this is safely random, but from a pure science perspective, have we actually proven that the waveform collapsing during measurement is "truly random"?
How could we possibly assert that we've accounted for all variables that could be affecting this? There could be variables at play that we don't even know exist, when it comes to quantum mechanics, no?
A coin toss is completely deterministic if you can account for wind, air resistance, momentum, starting state, mass, etc. But if you don't know that air resistance or wind exists, you could easily conclude it's random.
I ask this as a layman, and I'm really interested if anyone has insight into this.