Implications of an Ambiguity in J.S. Bell's Analysis of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Problem

Abstract

An ambiguity is pointed out in J.S. Bell's argument that the distinction between quantum mechanics and hidden variable theories cannot be found in the behavior of single-particle beams. Within the context of theories for which states are unambiguously defined it is shown that the question of whether quantum mechanics or a locally realistic theory is valid may indeed be answered by single-particle beam measurements. It is argued that two-particle correlation experiments are required to answer the more fundamental question of whether or not the notion of a state can be unambiguously defined. As a byproduct of the discussion the general form of completely entangled states is deduced.