Do Quantum Systems Break The Equivalence Principle?

TL;DR

This paper examines how quantum and elastic models of neutral atoms in gravitational fields predict different polarization responses, challenging the universality of Einstein's Equivalence Principle.

Contribution

It reveals that the bulk response of atomistic test masses depends on the quantum approximation scheme, with elastic models breaking the Equivalence Principle while rigid models remain consistent.

Findings

Elastic models predict polarization opposite to gravity, contradicting some experimental reports.

Rigid models align with the Equivalence Principle, while elastic models do not.

Historical literature on gravitational polarization is surveyed and implications discussed.

Abstract

Gravitational response of real objects is a fascinating topic. Einstein formalized the Galileo-Newton ideas of equality of free falls into complete physical equivalence or the Principle of Equivalence [Albert Einstein, The meaning of Relativity, 5 ed. Princeton, (1921)]. However, in this article we point out that in a gravitational field, g, the bulk response of an electrically neutral but atomistic test mass is model dependant. Depending on the particular quantum approximation scheme, opposing results for the gravity induced (electric) polarization P have been reported. For instance, P is small and oriented anti-parallel to g, if the deformations of the positive background lattice is neglected But, it is about ~ 100,1000 times larger and opposite in direction in the elastic lattice approximation. Hence, the elastic model contradicts reports of polarization in accelerated metals [Richard C. Tolman & T.Dale Stewart, Phys Rev 28, 794 (1926); G. F. Moorhead & G. I. Opat, Class. Quant. Grav, 13, 3129 (1996)]. Surprisingly, the rigid system is consistent with EP but the elastic system breaks EP. Here the historical literature is surveyed and some implications are outlined.