Dear Abbe,

I’ve been reading all these reports of experiments with entangled photons and quantum particles. Now I’m wondering what would happen if an entangled a pair of photons (or electrons) was sent on a path where they would then collide with each other, and how this can be used for microscopy. Have you any ideas on this?

Cogitating in Konstanz

Dear Cogitater,

Mein Gott! The things people report on these days! Have you never heard the old Walter Scott quote “Oh what an entangled web we weave…”? I agree Sir Scott was a bit odd, but he did have a point! Entanglements of any kind are best avoided. I remember just last month trying to become un-entangled from a contractual agreement once it became apparent I could no longer perform peculiar pole dance routines with inappropriate attire. However, since I have a poor history of avoiding things, I have already considered this predicament and its application to microscopy. Let us consider entangled photons. Delay the travel of one of these photons by 1/2 wavelength, then bring them together in 2-photon, interference microscopy. Wunderbar! Think of the astonishingly confused things that will happen! Since I’ve already applied for the patents, I’ll say no more and quietly go cogitate on the money to be made … if I can find the rest of the Schapps.

If entanglements have you tied in a knot, fear not. Herr Abbe will help you use your knot for something noteworthy. Contact his faithful assistant at jpshield@uga.edu.