Stick72

Now I've been reading about entanglement swapping on wiki... Does this phenomenon require there to be some kind of common link between the entangled groups that 'swap'? Is there a causal effect from the decoherence of one entanglement that effects a separate entanglement through a linked particle common to both? Thanks

I wanted to expand on the explanation of the idea above regarding entanglement, because 'Strange' was unsure how it would fit... As I understand it entanglement means that particles behaviour is linked regardless of distance. They decohere when we interact with them. This seems to me to have many parallels with the many worlds concept for single particles, or as I described as multiple outcomes existing at the same time within notional layers of time? If two or more particles were born of the same event could they not be considered to occupy the same group of 'many worlds' so defining their entangled state? If particles share the same group of multiple outcomes existing at the same time within notional layers of time, then when one outcome becomes defined through interaction the other possible outcomes are also defined at the same time. This means that, regardless of distance, the two or more particles born of the same event all become defined instantaneously regardless of distance. Also that they can never provide the same outcome. Does this fit with the science? Thanks

Thanks for your replies and for the extra reading!

I am not a scientist but someone interested in broad concepts, so please excuse the naivety. Just looking for answers... I understand that single (quantum level) particles fired through a double slit created a standard wave pattern over time. Could it be (or is it) argued that every outcome for an individual particle exists at the same time? So time can be considered layered at the quantum level. Min this way every outcome of the particle exists at the same time and each interacts with the other. When we interact with the particle we randomly define one of these time layers, to create our momentary reality, to the exclusion of all the other layers. Like taking a chair away in musical chairs. With entanglement, do multiple particles born of a singular event occupy different time layers? In this instance, if one particle outcome became defined then its 'time layer' would be defined, or taken. Then other particles born of the same event would be forced to only occupy the remaining time layers (or all the other possible outcomes). Of course at a macro scale the many quantum events would be perceived quite differently. More like a cathode ray tube, where many tiny events build a picture which we then perceive as our reality - one in which time is more linear as an outcome of quantum events already taken place. As I say, I am not well versed in matters of science but these thoughts have been lingering for me and it would be satisfying to know more - in simple speak please! Thank you