Tests of Quantum Gravity induced non-locality via opto-mechanical quantum oscillators

TL;DR

This paper proposes that nonlocal effects from quantum gravity could cause observable periodic squeezing in opto-mechanical oscillators, offering a new way to test quantum gravity theories with tabletop experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a modified Schrödinger equation from nonlocal quantum gravity theories and suggests opto-mechanical oscillators as a novel experimental platform to detect these effects.

Findings

Past experiments constrain nonlocality scale

Future experiments could detect or severely limit nonlocal effects

Tabletop experiments are promising for quantum gravity phenomenology

Abstract

Several quantum gravity scenarios lead to physics below the Planck scale characterised by nonlocal, Lorentz invariant equations of motion. We show that such non-local effective field theories lead to a modified Schr\"odinger evolution in the nonrelativistic limit. In particular, the nonlocal evolution of opto-mechanical quantum oscillators is characterised by a spontaneous periodic squeezing that cannot be generated by environmental effects. We discuss constraints on the nonlocality obtained by past experiments, and show how future experiments (already under construction) will either see such effects or otherwise cast severe bounds on the non-locality scale (well beyond the current limits set by the Large Hadron Collider). This paves the way for table top, high precision experiments on massive quantum objects as a promising new avenue for testing some quantum gravity phenomenology.