Probing the quantum-gravity realm with slow atoms

TL;DR

This paper explores how nonrelativistic atom experiments can provide insights into quantum gravity effects, complementing ultrarelativistic particle studies, by analyzing modifications in energy-momentum relations at the Planck scale.

Contribution

It extends previous work by showing that atom-recoil frequency measurements can probe quantum gravity models, highlighting the importance of nonrelativistic experiments in this research area.

Findings

Atom-recoil frequency measurements can reveal Planck-scale modifications.

Nonrelativistic experiments complement ultrarelativistic tests in quantum gravity research.

Analysis of the regimes enhances understanding of quantum-gravity phenomenology.

Abstract

For the study of Planck-scale modifications of the energy-momentum dispersion relation, which had been previously focused on the implications for ultrarelativistic (ultrafast) particles, we consider the possible role of experiments involving nonrelativistic particles, and particularly atoms. We extend a recent result establishing that measurements of "atom-recoil frequency" can provide insight that is valuable for some theoretical models. And from a broader perspective we analyze the complementarity of the nonrelativistic and the ultrarelativistic regimes in this research area.