In 2021, Renou et al published the paper “Quantum theory based on real numbers can be experimentally falsified” in Nature. It caused a decent sized splash at the time. A quick search revealed articles in Quanta and Scientific American and APS News, as well as a talk at QIP 2022. In this post, I’m going to explain why the title of the paper is wrong. The Goal Before we get going, I need to warn you away from a common misunderstanding of Renou et al’s claim. Renou et al are NOT claiming that it’s ...