A basic concept of quantum theory that Einstein disavowed, calling it "a spooky action," has been shown by a group of scientists in the Netherlands to be real.
In a study the New York Times called "landmark," scientists proved "one of the most fundamental claims of quantum theory — that objects separated by great distance can instantaneously affect each other's behavior."
The findings were reported in the Nature journal this week.
Working at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, the scientists placed two diamonds eight-tenths of a mile apart to assess whether "two previously entangled particles, even if separated by the width of the universe, could instantly interact," The Times reported.
Albert Einstein dismissed quantum theory in 1935 as an idea that required "spooky action at a distance," but Ronald Hanson, a lead author on the study and a physicist at the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, said he and other scientists have shown just such an interaction.
Although many experiments over the years have sought to shown such a connection between objects over a distance, The Times said conclusions always left some doubt because, even though the interaction was shown, there were other possible explanations. Proving the interaction is critical to the quantum physics theory, as standard physics is predicated on the idea that objects are only affected by other objects in their local environment.
"Now we have confirmed that there is spooky action at a distance," Hanson told The Times.
Hanson told Reuters that the research could have significance for data security and communications.
"The experiment effectively closes a chapter in an 80-year scientific debate, but Hanson said it also had important implications for the future, since sophisticated cryptography is already using quantum properties to guarantee data security," Reuters reported. "Such quantum encryption systems will only be 100 percent secure, however, if all loopholes are closed, as in the Delft system."
“I think this is a beautiful and ingenious experiment and it will help to push the entire field forward,” M.I.T. physicist David Kaiser told The Times. He didn't, however, think all doubt was removed by the Dutch university's experiment.
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