Holographic Noise in Interferometers

TL;DR

This paper predicts a new type of quantum noise in interferometers caused by holographic principles, deriving formulas for its spectrum and suggesting correlated signals in nearby detectors as evidence.

Contribution

It introduces a novel theoretical framework linking holographic uncertainty to measurable noise in interferometers, with explicit formulas for the noise spectrum based on Planck-scale physics.

Findings

Derived formulas for interferometer noise spectrum from holographic principles

Predicted high correlation of signals in nearby interferometers

Found the strain noise amplitude to be smaller than previous estimates

Abstract

Arguments based on general principles of quantum mechanics suggest that a minimum length or time associated with Planck-scale unification may entail a new kind of observable uncertainty in the transverse position of macroscopically separated bodies. Transverse positions vary randomly about classical geodesics in space and time by about the geometric mean of the Planck scale and separation, on a timescale corresponding to their separation. An effective theory based on a Planck information flux limit, and normalized by the black hole entropy formula, is developed to predict measurable correlations, such as the statistical properties of noise in interferometer signals. A connection with holographic unification is illustrated by representing Matrix theory position operators with a Schr\"odinger wave equation, interpreted as a paraxial wave equation with a Planck frequency carrier. Solutions of this equation are used to derive formulas for the spectrum of beamsplitter position fluctuations and equivalent strain noise in a Michelson interferometer, determined by the Planck time, with no other parameters. The spectral amplitude of equivalent strain derived here is a factor of \sqrt{\pi} smaller than previously published estimates. Signals in two nearly-collocated interferometers are predicted to be highly correlated, a feature that may provide convincing evidence for or against this interpretation of holography.