Remarks on causality in relativistic quantum field theory (Q5920381)

The authors prove that the correlations predicted by relativistic quantum field theory in locally normal states between projections in local von Neumann algebras \(A(V_1)\), \(A(V_2)\) associated with spacelike separated spacetime regions \(V_1\), \(V_2\) of Minkowski spacetime, have a common cause (as defined by Reichenbach). The common cause turns out to be located in the union of the backward light cones of \(V_1\) and \(V_2\). Further comments on causality and independence in quantum field theory are made, especially in relation with Bell's inequalities. In particular, it is discussed how the found result it is not in contradiction with the well-established failure of Bell's inequalities.