Homodyne detection and parametric down-conversion: a classical approach applied to proposed "loophole-free" Bell tests
Abstract
Description
A classical model is presented for the features of parametric down-conversion and homodyne detection relevant to recent proposed ``loophole-free'' Bell tests. The Bell tests themselves are uncontroversial: there are no obvious loopholes that might cause bias and hence, if the world does, after all, obey local realism, no violation of a Bell inequality will be observed. Interest centres around the question of whether or not the proposed criterion for ``non-classical'' light is valid. If cit is not, then the experiments will fail in their initial concept, since both quantum theorists and local realists will agree that we are seeing a purely classical effect. The Bell test, though, is not the only criterion by which the quantum-mechanical and local realist models can be judged. If the experiments are extended by including a range of parameter values and by analysing, in addition to the proposed digitised voltage differences, the raw voltages, the models can be compared in their overall performance and plausibility.
Submitted to Phys. Rev. A. For related material see http://freespace.virgin.net/ch.thompson1/. 9 pages, including 7 figs
Submitted to Phys. Rev. A. For related material see http://freespace.virgin.net/ch.thompson1/. 9 pages, including 7 figs