Clauser helped turn Bell's theorem into experimental tests of quantum correlations, coauthoring the CHSH inequality and an early photon experiment with Stuart Freedman.
John F. ClauserPhysical Review Letters / American Physical SocietyJohn F. ClauserClauser's contribution links a theoretical distinction to a measurable laboratory question. Experiments on correlated photons could compare the predictions of quantum mechanics with restrictions imposed by local hidden-variable theories. His joint work with Freedman provided an early test and helped establish the experimental study of entanglement. The profile credits collaborators and keeps the scope historical: an early Bell test was not a loophole-free demonstration or a method for faster-than-light communication.
John F. ClauserPhysical Review Letters / American Physical SocietyJohn F. ClauserDefining contributions
Work, in context- 1972
Testing local hidden-variable theories with photons
Stuart Freedman and Clauser measured polarization correlations between photons and reported results that violated the tested local hidden-variable restrictions while agreeing with quantum mechanics.
Joint experiment by Stuart J. Freedman and John F. Clauser.
Source-supported recordPhysical Review Letters / American Physical Society
Keep in perspective
Early Bell tests had experimental assumptions and limitations; this record does not claim the 1972 experiment closed every loophole.
A current institutional appointment is not inferred from historical affiliations.
The evidence map
Person → documented contribution → supporting source. Select a contribution to inspect what the evidence establishes.
Testing local hidden-variable theories with photons
Experimental Test of Local Hidden-Variable Theories
Supports: Freedman–Clauser authorship, photon correlations and experimental violation of the tested restrictions.
Published Apr 3, 1972 · Checked Sep 23, 2026Credit & limits: Joint experiment by Stuart J. Freedman and John F. Clauser.
Read the full contribution| Contribution | Evidence & what it supports | Credit & limits |
|---|---|---|
| Testing local hidden-variable theories with photons1972 | Primary paperExperimental Test of Local Hidden-Variable Theories Freedman–Clauser authorship, photon correlations and experimental violation of the tested restrictions. Published 1972-04-03 · Checked 2026-09-23 | Joint experiment by Stuart J. Freedman and John F. Clauser. |
Follow the evidence
3 sourcesPrimary papers, institutional records and attributed announcements. Each source supports the claims linked above.
- John F. ClauserResearcher profile
John Francis Clauser
Current public identification as an experimental and theoretical physicist; research contribution context.
Checked 2026-09-23 - Physical Review Letters / American Physical SocietyPrimary paper
Experimental Test of Local Hidden-Variable Theories
Freedman–Clauser authorship, photon correlations and experimental violation of the tested restrictions.
Published 1972-04-03 · Checked 2026-09-23 - John F. ClauserResearcher biography
About John Clauser
CHSH collaborators and distinction between the 1969 proposal and 1972 experiment.
Checked 2026-09-23