28.01.2020 (Tuesday)

Table-top Testing of the Non-Classicality of Gravity: A Proposal and its Assumptions, Implications and Practicalities

Regular Seminar Sougato Bose (University College London)

at:
13:30 IC
room H503
abstract:

A lack of empirical evidence has lead to a debate on whether gravity is a quantum entity. Motivated by this, I will present a feasible idea for such a test based on the principle that two objects cannot be entangled without a quantum mediator. I will show that despite the weakness of gravity, the phase evolution induced by the gravitational interaction of two micron size test masses in adjacent matter-wave interferometers can detectably entangle them even when they are placed far apart enough to keep Casimir-Polder forces at bay. A prescription for witnessing this entanglement, which certifies gravity as a quantum coherent mediator, is also provided and can be measured through simple spin correlations. Further, I clarify the assumptions underpinning the above proposal such as our reasonable definition of "classicality", as well as the crucial aspect of the locality of physical interactions. The role of off-shell processes is also highlighted. How the experiment sits within relativistic quantum field theory is clarified. Lastly, the practical challenges are noted. Time permitting other applications of superpositions of nano-crystals, such as in sensing classical gravity and how to detect nonclassicalities of such crystals without preparing superpositions at first, will be discussed.