A Local Realist Account of the Weihs et al EPRB Experiment

Abstract

Quantum mechanics stands in conflict with local realism only in its treatment of separated systems. A modification of quantum mechanics that changes the handling of separated systems is suggested that can reconcile quantum mechanics with local realism. An apparent obstacle to this program is the experimental evidence, but I argue that the experiments have been misinterpreted. By way of example, I describe a local realistic account of one important EPRB experiment that is claimed to demonstrate nonlocal entanglement. The local model can be calibrated into both quantum and classical domains via adjustment of parameters of the apparatus. Weihs incorrectly dismisses these parameters as uncritical, whereas we show that device calibration is crucial. When properly interpreted, the experiments show that nonlocal entanglement is an error. The rest of quantum mechanics remains intact, and remains highly valued as a powerful probability calculus for observables. Quantum mechanics and local realism can be reconciled, and they each can offer useful paradigms for describing systems.