Quantum mechanics and hidden variables: A test of Bell's inequality by the measurement of the spin correlation in low-energy proton-proton scattering

Abstract

The inequality of Bell has been tested by the measurement of the spin correlation in proton-proton scattering. Measurements were made at $E_p=13.2\mathrm{} \mathrm{and} 13.7$ MeV using carbon analyzers of 18.6 and 29 mg/${\mathrm{cm}}^2$, respectively, accumulating a total of ${10}^4$ coincidences. The experimental analyzing power, geometric correlation coefficients, and energy spectra are compared to the result of a Monte Carlo simulation of the apparatus. The results are in good agreement with quantum mechanics and in disagreement with the inequality of Bell if the same additional assumptions are made. The conditions for comparing the results of the experiments to the inequality of Bell are discussed.