Time, quantum entanglement, and particle decay

Abstract

We investigate the role of time ordering in entanglement experiments involving unstable particles, focusing on $\mu^+ \mu^-$ pairs produced in a maximally-entangled spin state. We analyse the correlations between measurements performed by two experimenters, Alice (who measures $\mu^-$ spin) and Bob (who measures $\mu^+$ decay products). Remarkably, the observed correlations persist irrespective of whether Bob's muon decays before or after Alice's spin measurement. We further discuss different interpretations of the same empirical results depending on the observer's reference frame. The findings reinforce the viewpoint that the Copenhagen interpretation of measurement is a mathematical tool rather than a literal account of physical reality.