Mirror-induced decoherence in hybrid quantum-classical theory

TL;DR

This paper re-analyzes a quantum optomechanical experiment using a hybrid quantum-classical theory, revealing that mirror-induced decoherence behaves similarly whether the mirror is classical or quantum, with implications for testing collapse models.

Contribution

It introduces a hybrid quantum-classical approach to analyze decoherence in optomechanical experiments, challenging previous assumptions about the quantum nature of the mirror.

Findings

Mirror-induced decoherence is similar for classical and quantum mirrors under certain conditions.

The results have implications for experiments testing spontaneous collapse models.

Parameter ranges where classical and quantum descriptions yield comparable decoherence are identified.

Abstract

We re-analyse the optomechanical interferometer experiment proposed by Marshall, Simon, Penrose and Bouwmeester with the help of a recently developed quantum-classical hybrid theory. This leads to an alternative evaluation of the mirror induced decoherence. Surprisingly, we find that it behaves essentially in the same way for suitable initial conditions and experimentally relevant parameters, no matter whether the mirror is considered a classical or quantum mechanical object. We discuss the parameter ranges where this result holds and possible implications for a test of spontaneous collapse models, for which this experiment has been designed.