Local realism for K0-K0bar pairs

Abstract

In this talk we discuss the predictions of local realistic theories for the evolution of a K0-K0bar quantum entangled pair created in the decay of the phi-meson. It is shown, in agreement with Bell's theorem, that the most general local hidden-variable model fails in reproducing the whole set of quantum-mechanical observables. We achieve this conclusion by employing two different approaches. In the first approach, the local realistic observables are deduced from the most general premises concerning locality and realism, and Bell-like inequalities are not employed. The other approach makes use of Bell's inequalities. Under particular conditions for the detection times, within the first approach the discrepancy between quantum mechanics and local realism for the asymmetry parameter turns out to be not less than 20%. A similar incompatibility can be made evident by means of a Bell-type test, by employing a Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt's inequality written in terms of properly normalized observables. Because of its relatively low experimental accuracy, the data obtained by the CPLEAR collaboration do not yet allow a decisive test of local realism. Such a test, both with and without the use of Bell's inequalities, should be feasible in the future at the Frascati Phi-factory.