The Big Bell Test (online event)
In 1964, physicist John Bell proposed a test that could discriminate between Einstein’s hidden variables and the spooky interpretation of quantum mechanics: The Bell Test. A team at the Institute of Optics in France carried out the first Bell test in 1981. Many have been performed since, always coming down in support of quantum mechanics, but each experiment had loopholes which means physicists have been unable to come to a final conclusion.
In 2015, three experiments conducted at TU Delft, IQOQI Vienna and NIST Boulder resolved some of these loopholes. They used physical random number generators to turn unpredictable physical events into measurements. The results suggested 'spooky action' is real.
Building on these experiments, the 2016 Big Bell Test is a set of quantum physics experiments calling for people to contribute by behaving as randomly as they can in a videogame. We need the contribution of at least 30 thousand people on November 30 to make this possible.
The random bits contributed through the video game will enable the first Bell tests with human generated randomness. These bits will be distributed in real-time to experimental groups around the world for use in quantum physics experiments.
When and where?
November 30, 2016. All over the world.
What is a Bellster?
Anyone who can connect with the bigbelltest.org and play the videogame on November 30. By playing the game, the Bellsters create random sequence bits (of ones and zeros) that reach labs around the world and help scientists to control experiments.
Major funding support
The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present.