Recent endeavor pushes boundaries towards a potential theory encompassing all fundamental aspects of the universe
In a groundbreaking development, a team of scientists led by Dr Igor Pikovski, Geoffrey S. Inman '51 Assistant Professor of Physics at Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey, US, have designed an experiment that aims to reconcile quantum mechanics with Einstein's General Theory of Relativity.
The experiment involves a network of entangled atomic clocks, each placed at different heights to experience gravitational time dilation due to Earth's gravity. By linking these clocks through quantum entanglement, the team hopes to test how quantum theory behaves in the presence of curved spacetime caused by gravity.
Quantum networks of atomic clocks, exploiting quantum superposition and entanglement, create a system where time can effectively "flow" in multiple ways simultaneously at different nodes. This setup allows for the detection of how differences in time flow caused by gravity bending spacetime affect quantum states.
The experiment, if performed, would be the first to provide empirical evidence on whether quantum mechanics holds unmodified in curved spacetime or if gravity induces modifications. It could also examine crucial principles like quantum unitarity, linearity, and the Born rule under relativistic gravitational conditions that have never been tested before.
The aim of the experiment is to reveal how quantum effects react to the action of curved spacetime. Dr Pikovski expressed hope that the paper would inspire interest and excitement about the mysteries of nature.
Techniques such as quantum teleportation and interference measurements in atomic arrays are used to realise this setup experimentally, leveraging current quantum capabilities. The technology required for this experiment already exists.
Joining Dr Pikovski in this endeavour are Dr Jacob Covey at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Dr Johannes Borregaard at Harvard University.
If successful, this experiment would mark a significant step towards understanding and potentially reconciling the longstanding incompatibility between quantum mechanics and Einstein's theory of gravity. A new paper detailing the experiment has been published in PRX Quantum.
[1] Quantum systems in a gravity-affected spacetime are measured simultaneously, enabling tests of quantum theory with gravity included for the first time. [2] The two theories do not match up, and no joint theory has succeeded so far. [3] The experiment shows how quantum systems behave when Einstein's gravity has to be taken into account. [4] Atomic clocks can measure time incredibly precisely, and thanks to entanglement and quantum superposition, their quantum states can be linked together, allowing them to experience more than one flow of time at the same time.
- This groundbreaking experiment led by Dr Igor Pikovski aims to reconcile quantum mechanics with Einstein's General Theory of Relativity by testing how quantum theory behaves in the presence of curved spacetime caused by gravity.
- The experiment involves a network of entangled atomic clocks, each placed at different heights to experience gravitational time dilation due to Earth's gravity, and linking these clocks through quantum entanglement to detect changes in time flow caused by gravity bending spacetime.
- If successful, this experiment would provide empirical evidence on whether quantum mechanics holds unmodified in curved spacetime or if gravity induces modifications, examined principles like quantum unitarity, linearity, and the Born rule under relativistic gravitational conditions.
- Techniques such as quantum teleportation and interference measurements in atomic arrays are used to realize this setup experimentally, leveraging current quantum capabilities and the existing technology required for this experiment.
- The future of science and technology could be significantly influenced by the results of this experiment, as it involves innovative research in space-and-astronomy and could potentially help reconcile the longstanding incompatibility between quantum mechanics and Einstein's theory of gravity.
- By measuring quantum systems simultaneously in a gravity-affected spacetime for the first time, this experiment shows how quantum systems behave when Einstein's gravity has to be taken into account, contributing to the broader understanding of space, nature, and the workings of the universe.
