Applications of Quantum Entanglement in Modern Physics
Robert S. Ross · 2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access Proceedings · 2020
Abstract Entanglement is a fundamental property of quantum mechanics. Certain physical properties of elementary particles like electrons can exist in entangled states. It is also possible for the polarization of photons to become entangled. In some cases, even macroscopic objects like mechanical resonators can exhibit entanglement. Entangled particles show certain correlations in specific measured properties. Entanglement has caused consternation since quantum theory was developed nearly a hundred years ago. The EPR “paradox” is a long standing argument that either quantum mechanics invokes “spooky actions at a distance” or there are parameters that are hidden so that the current theory is incomplete. We will discuss how this apparent paradox can be understood in the context of quantum entanglement. In this paper we provide some examples of useful applications of quantum entanglement that can be simulated in an upper level modern physics course. We describe an interesting search algorithm along with a quantum teleportation scheme that can easily be simulated using MATLAB. Quantum teleportation has been demonstrated over distances of hundreds of kilometers and is useful for secure data transmission.