Incompatibility between local realism and quantum mechanics for pairs of neutral kaons

A local realistic theory of single neutral kaons and of correlated neutral kaon pairs is formulated by deducing the most general consequences of three assumptions: (i) the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) reality criterion, (ii) locality, and (iii) no retroactive causality. Variables must be introduced for every kaon determining the stable CP value and the variable value of strangeness S. Instantaneous S jumps are shown to take place. If kaon pairs are produced in Phi meson decays, the local realistic probability of observing (K) over bar(0) (K) over bar(0) pairs at certain different proper times necessarily differs by 30% from the quantum-mechanical predictions. The size of this difference justifies our systematic neglect of CP violation. A Phi factory is thus shown to provide a unique tool for the study of the EPR problem [S1050-2947(97)05611-4].