Correlating Local Quantum Reality with Causally Disconnected Choices

Abstract: Building on the 1935 Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) assertion: {\it If, without in any way disrupting a system, we can predict with certainty (i.e., with a probability of one) the value of a physical quantity, then an element of physical reality corresponds to this physical quantity.}''; and employing a novel operational framework for measuring realism within quantum systems, we show that the elements of reality in one laboratory can be correlated with causally disconnected choices. EPR further stated that{\it ...$\,$physical reality cannot be determined by \emph{a priori} philosophical considerations, but must be found by$\,$...$\,$experiments and measurements.}'' In this direction, we provide empirical evidence supporting our theoretical predictions. This is achieved by using an optical configuration as a guide, referred to as the Reality Quantum Correlator (RQC), and leveraging IBM's quantum computers to obtain the experimental results. So, complementing the assertions of EPR, we show that a detailed and clear definition is essential to fully understand observables' reality in quantum systems.