Measurement of Quantum Geometry Using Laser Interferometry

TL;DR

This paper discusses an experiment using laser interferometry to detect quantum space-time effects, aiming to observe Planck-scale induced noise in macroscopic positions, which could reveal new quantum properties of space-time.

Contribution

It proposes a novel experimental approach to measure quantum geometry effects at macroscopic scales using correlated laser interferometry.

Findings

Design of an interferometry experiment sensitive to Planck-scale noise

Potential to detect or rule out quantum space-time noise

Advancement in experimental quantum gravity research

Abstract

New quantum degrees of freedom of space-time, originating at the Planck scale, could create a coherent indeterminacy and noise in the transverse position of massive bodies on macroscopic scales. An experiment is under development at Fermilab designed to detect or rule out a transverse position noise with Planck spectral density, using correlated signals from an adjacent pair of Michelson interferometers. A detection would open an experimental window on quantum space-time.