Augusto Garuccio

New experimental set-up for the detection of de Broglie waves☆

Abstract We present a new experimental set-up to detect the existence of de Broglie waves. Since it uses only one, very weakened, incoherent source it escapes preceding objections and can test conflicting predictions of the Copenhagen (CIQM) and causal stochastic (SIQM) interpretation of quantum mechanics.

Possible direct physical detection of de Broglie waves

Abstract A modified version of the Mandel-Pfleegor experiment implies conflicting measurable predictions of the Copenhagen and statistical interpretations of quantum mechanics. Their detection would help to choose between the antagonistic positions of Bohr and Einstein in the Bohr-Einstein controversy.

Enhanced photon detection in EPR type experiments

Abstract Local realistic models of enhanced photon detection reproducing quantum mechanical predictions for single photons and approximating closely the quantum mechanical predictions for pairs of correlated photons are discussed. It is shown that Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen-type experiments with three polarizers can easily discriminate such models from ordinary quantum theory.

Energy conservation and complementarity in neutron single crystal interferometry

Abstract The complementarity principle is shown to conflict with the energy conservation laws in neutron single crystal interferometry. Its shortcomings are revealed in specific performed or proposed neutron interferometry experiments.

Factoring numbers with a single interferogram

We construct an analog computer based on light interference to encode the hyperbolic function f({zeta}){identical_to}1/{zeta} into a sequence of skewed curlicue functions. The resulting interferogram when scaled appropriately allows us to find the prime number decompositions of integers. We implement this idea exploiting polychromatic optical interference in a multipath interferometer and factor seven-digit numbers. We give an estimate for the largest number that can be factored by this scheme.

New factorization algorithm based on a continuous representation of truncated Gauss sums

In this paper, we will describe a new factorization algorithm based on the continuous representation of Gauss sums, generalizable to orders j > 2. Such an algorithm allows one, for the first time, to find all the factors of a number N in a single run without precalculating the ratio N/l, where l are all the possible trial factors. Continuous truncated exponential sums turn out to be a powerful tool for distinguishing factors from non-factors (we also suggest, with regard to this topic, to read an interesting paper by S. Wölk et al. also published in this issue [Wölk, Feiler, Schleich, J. Mod. Opt. in press]) and factorizing different numbers at the same time. We will also describe two possible M-path optical interferometers, which can be used to experimentally realize this algorithm: a liquid crystal grating and a generalized symmetric Michelson interferometer.

Probabilities for correlated systems

Probabilistic local realism for two correlated systems as formulated by Clauser and Horne in 1974 is shown to be necessarily based on a perfect specification of the state and on an individual definition of probability. All known realistic formulations of probability calculus are instead defined in terms of relative frequencies, and perfect specifications of states are impossible. We reformulate probabilistic local realism by using the relative frequency definition only and show that the Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen paradox still obtains.

Time-dependent neutron interferometry: Evidence against wave packet collapse?

If the energy-absorbing radio-frequency spin-flipping device used in perfect crystal neutron interferometry is an intermediate measuring device, then the experimental results contradict the associated wave packet collapse and support the real existence of the de Broglie pilot waves in both arms while the neutron travels in only one.

Correlation Plenoptic Imaging With Entangled Photons

Plenoptic imaging is a novel optical technique for three-dimensional imaging in a single shot. It is enabled by the simultaneous measurement of both the location and the propagation direction of light in a given scene. In the standard approach, the maximum spatial and angular resolutions are inversely proportional, and so are the resolution and the maximum achievable depth of focus of the 3D image. We have recently proposed a method to overcome such fundamental limits by combining plenoptic imaging with an intriguing correlation remote-imaging technique: ghost imaging. Here, we theoretically demonstrate that correlation plenoptic imaging can be effectively achieved by exploiting the position-momentum entanglement characterizing spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) photon pairs. As a proof-of-principle demonstration, we shall show that correlation plenoptic imaging with entangled photons may enable the refocusing of an out-of-focus image at the same depth of focus of a standard plenoptic device, but without sacrificing diffraction-limited image resolution.

Diffraction-limited plenoptic imaging with correlated light

Traditional optical imaging faces an unavoidable trade-off between resolution and depth of field (DOF). To increase resolution, high numerical apertures (NAs) are needed, but the associated large angular uncertainty results in a limited range of depths that can be put in sharp focus. Plenoptic imaging was introduced a few years ago to remedy this trade-off. To this aim, plenoptic imaging reconstructs the path of light rays from the lens to the sensor. However, the improvement offered by standard plenoptic imaging is practical and not fundamental: The increased DOF leads to a proportional reduction of the resolution well above the diffraction limit imposed by the lens NA. In this Letter, we demonstrate that correlation measurements enable pushing plenoptic imaging to its fundamental limits of both resolution and DOF. Namely, we demonstrate maintaining the imaging resolution at the diffraction limit while increasing the depth of field by a factor of 7. Our results represent the theoretical and experimental basis for the effective development of promising applications of plenoptic imaging.