Quantum Theory of Light Experiment Measuring g2(0) Values and Bell's Inequalities

Indianapolis, IN

In Quantum theory, light has both particle- and wave-like properties. For years, experiments that were able to show the particle-like nature were only feasible for well-established laboratories. However, recent advancements in technology have enabled the use of a down-converting crystal to study light's particle-like nature at an undergraduate level. Over the last few years, such experiments have become much more affordable. This talk describes two recent experiments that have been performed at Taylor University. In the first, we have used photon counters,half-wave plates, beam-splitting cubes, and a down-converting crystalto measure the quantity g²(0).The quantity g²(0) may be used to distinguish between the particle and wave nature of light.For our first experiment our results for g²(0) implied that light behaves as a particle. In the second experiment(currently in progress)the lab is currently set upto useentangled photons to make measurements related to Bell's inequalities. Bell's inequality allows one to distinguish quantum theory from theories involving hidden variables. Extensions of this experiment will include research on the quantum erasereffect.