Particle localization and the Notion of Einstein Causality

Abstract

The notion of Einstein causality, i.e. the limiting role of the velocity of light in the transmission of signals, is discussed. It is pointed out that Nimtz and coworkers use the notion of signal velocity in a different sense from Einstein and that their experimental results are in full agreement with Einstein causality in its ordinary sense. We also show that under quite general assumptions instantaneous spreading of particle localization occurs in quantum theory, relativistic or not, with fields or without. We discuss if this affects Einstein causality.

8 pages. Appeared in: Extensions of Quantum Theory, Eds. A. Horzela and E Kapuscik, published by Apeiron, Montreal 2001, p. 9-16