Constraining the generalized uncertainty principle with cold atoms

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP), predicted by quantum gravity theories, can be constrained using cold atom experiments, providing some of the strongest bounds on certain GUP models.

Contribution

It applies GUP to low-energy cold atom systems and derives new upper bounds on GUP parameters from experimental data.

Findings

Set a $10^{14}$-level bound on the Ali-Das-Vagenas GUP proposal.

Established a $10^{26}$-level bound on Maggiore's GUP proposal.

Provided the strongest available bound on Maggiore's GUP.

Abstract

Various theories of quantum gravity predict the existence of a minimum length scale, which implies the Planck-scale modifications of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle to a so-called generalized uncertainty principle (GUP). Previous studies of the GUP focused on its implications for high-energy physics, cosmology, and astrophysics. Here, the application of the GUP to low-energy quantum systems, and particularly cold atoms, is studied. Results from the $^{87}$Rb atom recoil experiment are used to set upper bounds on parameters in three different GUP proposals. A $10^{14}$-level bound on the Ali-Das-Vagenas proposal is found, which is the second best bound so far. A $10^{26}$-level bound on Maggiore's proposal is obtained, which turns out to be the best available bound on it.