Quantal Definition of the Weak Equivalence Principle

TL;DR

This paper proposes a quantum-based definition of the Weak Equivalence Principle using phase shifts in interference experiments, emphasizing wave properties over classical trajectories.

Contribution

It introduces a novel quantal definition of the Weak Equivalence Principle that does not depend on classical trajectories, relying instead on quantum phase shifts.

Findings

The definition is applicable to quantum interference experiments.

It highlights the wave nature of particles in gravitational contexts.

Provides a framework for testing the principle in quantum regimes.

Abstract

The present work analyzes the meaning of the Weak Equivalence Principle in the context of quantum mechanics. A quantal definition for this principle is introduced. This definition does not require the concept of trajectory and relies upon the phase shift induced by a gravitational field in the context of a quantum interference experiment of two coherent beams of particles. In other words, it resorts to wave properties of the system and not to classical concepts as the idea of trajectory.