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The 'Delayed Choice Quantum Eraser' Neither Erases Nor Delays

Quantum Physics 2019-08-06 v3

Abstract

It is demonstrated that 'quantum eraser' (QE) experiments do not erase any information. Nor do they demonstrate retrocausation or 'temporal nonlocality' in their 'delayed choice' form, beyond standard EPR correlations. It is shown that the erroneous erasure claims arise from assuming that the improper mixed state of the signal photon physically prefers either the 'which way' or 'both ways' basis, when no such preference is warranted. The latter point is illustrated through comparison of the QE spatial state space with the spin-1/2 space of particles in the EPR-spin experiment.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1905.03137,
  title  = {The 'Delayed Choice Quantum Eraser' Neither Erases Nor Delays},
  author = {R. E. Kastner},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1905.03137},
  year   = {2019}
}

Comments

Final version, to appear in Foundations of Physics