Comment on “Bell tests explained by classical optics without quantum entanglement” by Dean L. Mamas [Phys. Essays 34, 340 (2021)]

Physics Essays, vol. 36, pp. 87–89

Abstract

In a paper published in the journal [Phys. Essays 34, 340 (2021)], Mamas writes “A polarized photon interacts with a polarizer through the component of the photon's electric field which is aligned with the polarizer. This component varies as the cosine of the angle through which the polarizer is rotated, explaining the cosine observed in Bell test data. Quantum mechanics is unnecessary and plays no role”. Mamas is right that according to this physical model, one will observe a negative cosine. However, the amplitude of the cosine curve is 50%, not 100%, and it consequently does not violate any Bell-CHSH inequality. Mamas' physical model is a classic local hidden variables model. The result is illustrated with a Monte Carlo simulation.

Authors 1

1. Richard David Gill corresponding Aachen Mathematical Institute

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Mathematical Institute, Leiden University