Comment on "Rovibrational quantum interferometers and gravitational waves"

TL;DR

This paper critically evaluates previous claims about the sensitivity of molecular rotational-vibrational quantum interferometers for gravitational wave detection, demonstrating that their actual sensitivity is significantly lower than previously suggested.

Contribution

The authors provide a detailed analysis showing that the sensitivity of such interferometers is much worse than earlier estimates, challenging prior optimistic conclusions.

Findings

Sensitivity is many orders of magnitude worse than previous claims

Derived equations of motion for a quantum symmetric top in gravitational fields

Estimated experimental sensitivity is insufficient for gravitational wave detection

Abstract

In a recent paper, Wicht, L\"ammerzahl, Lorek, and Dittus [Phys. Rev. {\bf A 78}, 013610 (2008)] come to the conclusion that a molecular rotational-vibrational quantum interferometer may possess the sensitivity necessary to detect gravitational waves. We do not agree with their results and demonstrate here that the true sensitivity of such interferometer is many orders of magnitude worse than that claimed in the mentioned paper. In the present comment we estimate the expected energy shifts and derive equations of motion for a quantum symmetric top (diatomic molecule or deformed nucleus) in the field of gravitational wave, and then estimate the sensitivity of possible experiments.