{
  "id": "2002.11170",
  "version": "v1",
  "published": "2020-02-25T20:54:03.000Z",
  "updated": "2020-02-25T20:54:03.000Z",
  "title": "Entanglement and the measurement problem",
  "authors": [
    "Art Hobson"
  ],
  "comment": "16 pages, 6 figures",
  "categories": [
    "quant-ph"
  ],
  "abstract": "An argument first proposed by John von Neumann shows that measurement of a superposed quantum system creates an entangled \"measurement state\" (MS) in which macroscopically distinct detector states appear to be superposed, a paradoxical prediction implying the measurement has no definite outcome. We argue that this prediction is based on a misunderstanding of what the MS represents. We show, by studying the phase dependence of entangled photon states generated in parametric down conversion, that the MS represents not a superposition of detector states, but rather a superposition of coherent (i.e. phase-dependent) correlations between detector states and system states. In fact an argument by Einstein shows that a nonlocal entangled state is required, at least briefly, following a quantum system's interaction with a detector. Such a state does not represent a paradoxical macroscopic superposition. This resolves the paradox of indefinite outcomes of measurements.",
  "revisions": [
    {
      "version": "v1",
      "updated": "2020-02-25T20:54:03.000Z"
    }
  ],
  "analyses": {
    "keywords": [
      "measurement problem",
      "entanglement",
      "ms represents",
      "macroscopically distinct detector states appear",
      "superposed quantum system creates"
    ],
    "note": {
      "typesetting": "TeX",
      "pages": 16,
      "language": "en",
      "license": "arXiv",
      "status": "editable"
    }
  }
}