nt - p h / 01 03 16 6 v 1 3 0 M ar 2 00 1 What is wrong with SLASH ∗ ?

In an experiment featuring nonlinear optics, delayed choice and EPRtype correlations, the possibility of faster–than–light communication appears not totally implausible. Attempts are put forward and discussed to refute this claim. Quantum theory and special relativity theory are the cornerstones of today’s physical perception. Obviously their intrinsic consistency as well as the consistency of a combined theory is of greatest relevance. Thus one of the most discomforting results of 20th century mathematics and physics is the conclusion that with respect to consistency of theories, in general no affirmative answer can be given— It must be clearly spelled out that the mere introduction of “manifestly covariant” entities, such as Lorentz invariant spinors and tensors in quantum electrodynamics, is an insufficient guarantee of consistency. Any attempt to “prove” consistency in nontrivial theory contexts, such as for instance Shirokov’s remarkable investigation [1], must inevitably be too specific or even misleading. Although eminent physicists and philosophers of science have conjectured the “peaceful coexistence doctrine” [2] of quantum and relativity theories, it cannot be excluded that inconsistencies may be “lurking behind the corner.” With much luck and a little intuitive insight every layman may produce them. And although ∗SLASH: acronym for Second Laser–Amplified Superluminal Hookup