Experimental consequences of objective local theories

Abstract

A broad class of theories, called "objective local theories," is defined, motivation for considering these theories is given, and experimental consequences of the class are investigated. An extension of previous analyses by Bell and by Clauser et al. shows that predictions of objective local theories and of quantum mechanics differ, and that an experimental test of the entire family of objective local theories can be performed. The experimental requirements are given. Objective local theories satisfying a plausible but experimentally untestable supplementary assumption are shown to be incompatible with existing experimental data.