Physics

Einstein’s “spooky action” passes its most extreme physics test yet

How the science connects

Particle physicsQuantum entanglementSubatomic particle

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Physicists at CERN's Large Hadron Collider have found strong evidence that Z bosons, which are heavy and short-lived subatomic particles, can become quantum entangled when produced during Higgs boson decay. This discovery demonstrates that quantum entanglement, the phenomenon Einstein famously called "spooky action at a distance," persists even under the extreme energy conditions of particle collisions at the world's most powerful particle accelerator.


This finding extends our understanding of quantum mechanics into previously untested high-energy regimes, confirming that quantum entanglement is a fundamental feature of nature that holds even in extreme conditions. The result strengthens the theoretical foundation of quantum mechanics and may inform future developments in quantum technologies and our understanding of fundamental particle interactions.


Physicists have detected strong evidence that heavy, fleeting Z bosons can become quantum entangled during Higgs boson decays at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider. The result shows that Einstein’s “spooky action at a distance” survives even under some of the most extreme conditions ever created in a laboratory.

Source: Einstein’s “spooky action” just survived one of physics’ most extreme tests