Quantum Geometry in the Lab

TL;DR

This paper proposes a model where classical matter exists within a quantum geometry, predicting new noise in position measurements of massive bodies due to quantum geometric uncertainty, potentially detectable by interferometers.

Contribution

It introduces a complementary quantum geometry model for classical matter, offering a new perspective on quantum gravity effects in laboratory systems.

Findings

Quantum uncertainty of geometry causes measurable noise in position measurements.

The model predicts about one qubit of information per Planck area in the geometry.

Potential for experimental detection of quantum geometric effects with interferometers.

Abstract

Standard particle theory is based on quantized matter embedded in a classical geometry. Here, a complementary model is proposed, based on classical matter -- massive bodies, without quantum properties -- embedded in a quantum geometry. It does not describe elementary particles, but may be a better, fully consistent quantum description for position states in laboratory-scale systems. Gravitational theory suggests that the geometrical quantum system has an information density of about one qubit per Planck length squared. If so, the model here predicts that the quantum uncertainty of geometry creates a new form of noise in the position of massive bodies, detectable by interferometers.