Quantum entanglement, a cornerstone of quantum mechanics, describes a phenomenon where particles become interconnected, such that the state of one instantly influences the state of another—regardless of distance. Einstein famously called it spooky action at a distance, but modern experiments have confirmed its validity.
Key Concepts 📚
- Entangled Particles: When particles like photons or electrons interact, they can form pairs or groups with correlated states (e.g., spin, polarization).
- Non-local Correlation: Changes to one entangled particle affect the other instantly, defying classical notions of locality.
- Superposition: Entangled systems exist in a superposition of states until measured, leading to probabilistic outcomes.
Applications 🔬
- Quantum Computing: Entanglement enables qubits to process information in parallel, boosting computational power.
- Quantum Cryptography: Secure communication protocols like quantum key distribution rely on entangled particles.
- Quantum Teleportation: Transferring quantum states between particles over distances using entanglement.
Famous Experiments 🧪
- EPR Paradox (1935): Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen challenged quantum theory, but later experiments disproved their assumptions.
- Bell's Theorem (1964): John Bell's inequalities demonstrated that entanglement violates local hidden variable theories.
- Aspect Experiment (1982): A landmark test confirming quantum entanglement's non-local nature.
For deeper exploration, check our guide on Quantum Physics Basics 📚.