Kocher's experiment involved measuring the polarization states of photon pairs using linear polarizers and counting coincidence counts based on their orientations.

Quantum theory predicts that no coincidences should occur if the polarizer axes are perpendicular, a prediction that Kocher's experiments validated.

The article discusses the paradox of not observing expected coincidences under classical intuition, despite the clear outcomes predicted by quantum mechanics.

In the article 'Quantum Entanglement of Optical Photons: The First Experiment, 1964-67', Prof. Carl Kocher shares a first-person account of the challenges he faced while conducting a groundbreaking quantum entanglement experiment.

The experiment, initiated in 1964, aimed to observe the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) effect using visible-light photons emitted by excited calcium atoms.

The EPR paradox, introduced by Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen in 1935, illustrates the puzzling correlations between entangled particles that seem to defy classical explanations.

This paradox demonstrates that two entangled particles can exhibit correlated measurements even when separated, challenging our intuitive understanding of physics.

The results confirmed quantum predictions, showing that coincidences occurred with parallel polarizers while no counts were recorded with perpendicular ones.

Kocher emphasizes the need to reconcile quantum phenomena with classical intuitions, urging a deeper embrace of the quantum world.

He concludes that while the paradox of entanglement may be difficult to grasp, experiments like his can expand our understanding of quantum mechanics.

Kocher describes the nature of entanglement as 'strangely wonderful' and suggests that a deeper understanding of quantum phenomena may help reconcile existing paradoxes.

Currently affiliated with the Quantum Foundry at the University of California Santa Barbara, Kocher is also a Professor Emeritus at Oregon State University.