Date of Submission

Spring 2021

Academic Program

Mathematics; Physics

Project Advisor 1

Antonios Kontos

Project Advisor 2

Harold Haggard

Abstract/Artist's Statement

The field of quantum optics provides a wonderful setting in which to study fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics such as entanglement, Bell's theorem, and non-locality. This thesis presents theoretical discussions of qubits, entanglement, and Bell's theorem in addition to experimental discussions on the nature of photons, creating entangled states using Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion (SPDC), and a Bell Test with polarization entangled photons. The experimental sections are written to be useful as instructions for one to conduct these experiments on their own. By doing these experiments, one will gain familiarity with quantum optics experiments as well as a firmer grasp on the intricate nature of measurements in quantum mechanics. On the topic of measurement, there is a brief discussion on the von Neumann model of measurement and the concept of decoherence.

Open Access Agreement

Open Access

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
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