Probing Planck-scale physics with quantum optics

TL;DR

This paper proposes an experimental scheme using quantum optics to test potential modifications of quantum mechanics caused by Planck-scale physics, aiming to detect quantum gravitational effects in tabletop experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a novel protocol to directly test the canonical commutation relation of a mechanical oscillator near the Planck mass using quantum optical techniques.

Findings

Protocol is feasible with current technology

Potential to detect deviations from standard quantum mechanics

Provides a new experimental approach to quantum gravity

Abstract

One of the main challenges in physics today is to merge quantum theory and the theory of general relativity into a unified framework. Various approaches towards developing such a theory of quantum gravity are pursued, but the lack of experimental evidence of quantum gravitational effects thus far is a major hindrance. Yet, the quantization of space-time itself can have experimental implications: the existence of a minimal length scale is widely expected to result in a modification of the Heisenberg uncertainty relation. Here we introduce a scheme that allows an experimental test of this conjecture by probing directly the canonical commutation relation of the center of mass mode of a massive mechanical oscillator with a mass close to the Planck mass. Our protocol utilizes quantum optical control and readout of the mechanical system to probe possible deviations from the quantum commutation relation even at the Planck scale. We show that the scheme is within reach of current technology. It thus opens a feasible route for tabletop experiments to test possible quantum gravitational phenomena.