Macroscopic quantum resonators (MAQRO)

TL;DR

MAQRO is a proposed space mission aiming to test quantum superpositions of macroscopic objects and develop advanced inertial sensors, potentially revealing new physics and supporting fundamental scientific inquiries.

Contribution

It introduces a novel space-based experimental setup combining DECIDE and CASE to explore macroscopic quantum phenomena and inertial sensing in a unique environment.

Findings

Proposes testing quantum superpositions with objects containing over 10^8 atoms.

Demonstrates the potential for space-based inertial sensors based on optically trapped microspheres.

Provides a framework for testing the universality of free fall with large mass differences.

Abstract

Quantum physics challenges our understanding of the nature of physical reality and of space-time and suggests the necessity of radical revisions of their underlying concepts. Experimental tests of quantum phenomena involving massive macroscopic objects would provide novel insights into these fundamental questions. Making use of the unique environment provided by space, MAQRO aims at investigating this largely unexplored realm of macroscopic quantum physics. MAQRO has originally been proposed as a medium-sized fundamental-science space mission for the 2010 call of Cosmic Vision. MAQRO unites two experiments: DECIDE (DECoherence In Double-Slit Experiments) and CASE (Comparative Acceleration Sensing Experiment). The main scientific objective of MAQRO, which is addressed by the experiment DECIDE, is to test the predictions of quantum theory for quantum superpositions of macroscopic objects containing more than 10e8 atoms. Under these conditions, deviations due to various suggested alternative models to quantum theory would become visible. These models have been suggested to harmonize the paradoxical quantum phenomena both with the classical macroscopic world and with our notion of Minkowski space-time. The second scientific objective of MAQRO, which is addressed by the experiment CASE, is to demonstrate the performance of a novel type of inertial sensor based on optically trapped microspheres. CASE is a technology demonstrator that shows how the modular design of DECIDE allows to easily incorporate it with other missions that have compatible requirements in terms of spacecraft and orbit. CASE can, at the same time, serve as a test bench for the weak equivalence principle, i.e., the universality of free fall with test-masses differing in their mass by 7 orders of magnitude.