A blueprint for a simultaneous test of quantum mechanics and general relativity in a space-based quantum optics experiment

Pallister, Sam; Coop, Simon; Formichella, Valerio; Gampierakis, Nicolas; Notaro, Virginia; Knott, P. A.; Azevedo, Rui; Buchheim, Nikolaus; Carvalho, Silvio de; Järvelä, E.; Laporte, Matthieu; Kaikkonen, Jukka-Pekka; Meshksar, N.; Nikkanen, Timo; Yttergren, Madeleine

doi:10.1140/epjqt/s40507-017-0055-y

Cited by 15 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Unfortunately, interferometers with arm lengths of a few thousand kilometers would be required for such an experiment. Such large-scale interferometers are currently only feasible for space-based experiments [13]. However, a smaller interferometer still allows for measuring gravitationally induced phase shifts as we discuss in this work.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gravitationally induced phase shift on a single photon

et al. 2017

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The effect of the Earth's gravitational potential on a quantum wave function has only been observed for massive particles. In this paper we present a scheme to measure a gravitationally induced phase shift on a single photon traveling in a coherent superposition along different paths of an optical fiber interferometer. To create a measurable signal for the interaction between the static gravitational potential and the wave function of the photon, we propose a variant of a conventional Mach-Zehnder interferometer. We show that the predicted relative phase difference of 10 −5 rad is measurable even in the presence of fiber noise, provided additional stabilization techniques are implemented for each arm of a large-scale fiber interferometer. Effects arising from the rotation of the Earth and the material properties of the fibers are analysed. We conclude that optical fiber interferometry is a feasible way to measure the gravitationally induced phase shift on a single-photon wave function, and thus provides a means to corroborate the equivalence of the energy of the photon and its effective gravitational mass.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gravitationally induced phase shift on a single photon

et al. 2017

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“…This proposal is based on an optical analog of the Collela, Overhauser, and Werner (COW) experiment, which tested gravitational effects on matter interferometry in the Newtonian regime 164 . Similar experiments with processing polarization states to serve as a local clock 165 and others using a "folded” interferometer with a single Earth orbiter and a ground station 166 have also been proposed. With an array of synchronized atomic clocks all exchanging quantum states, the state of an atom in one clock can be teleported to another for high-precision comparative measurements.…”

Section: Classical and Quantum Linksmentioning

confidence: 96%

A way forward for fundamental physics in space

et al. 2022

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Space-based research can provide a major leap forward in the study of key open questions in the fundamental physics domain. They include the validity of Einstein’s Equivalence principle, the origin and the nature of dark matter and dark energy, decoherence and collapse models in quantum mechanics, and the physics of quantum many-body systems. Cold-atom sensors and quantum technologies have drastically changed the approach to precision measurements. Atomic clocks and atom interferometers as well as classical and quantum links can be used to measure tiny variations of the space-time metric, elusive accelerations, and faint forces to test our knowledge of the physical laws ruling the Universe. In space, such instruments can benefit from unique conditions that allow improving both their precision and the signal to be measured. In this paper, we discuss the scientific priorities of a space-based research program in fundamental physics.

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“…In this context, experimental setups with entangled photons between ground and satellites [188][189][190] have proven the possibility to test entanglement at long distances and could be used to study the effects of the Earth gravitational field on photons. Proposals to use low Earth orbit satellite such as the CanX4 and CanX5 CubeSats [191] to realize a refined version of the COW experiment on large distances and to test post Newtonian effects of gravity have also been presented [185,192,193]. Furthermore, planned space-based missions to deliver quantum communication protocols at large distances such as the Canadian Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat) micro-satellite mission [194], the NASAfounded Deep Space Quantum Link [195] or the SAGE mission [72] will allow to analyse the effects of the spacetime curvature around the Earth on propagating photons.…”

Section: Relativistic Quantum Informationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quantum Physics in Space

Belenchia,

Carlesso,

Bayraktar

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Advances in quantum technologies are giving rise to a revolution in the way fundamental physics questions are explored at the empirical level. At the same time, they are the seeds for future disruptive technological applications of quantum physics. Remarkably, a space-based environment may open many new avenues for exploring and employing quantum physics and technologies. Recently, space missions employing quantum technologies for fundamental or applied studies have been proposed and implemented with stunning results.The combination of quantum physics and its space application is the focus of this review: we cover both the fundamental scientific questions that can be tackled with quantum technologies in space and the possible implementation of these technologies for a variety of academic and commercial purposes.

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A blueprint for a simultaneous test of quantum mechanics and general relativity in a space-based quantum optics experiment

Cited by 15 publications

References 36 publications

Gravitationally induced phase shift on a single photon

Gravitationally induced phase shift on a single photon

A way forward for fundamental physics in space

Quantum Physics in Space

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