Decoherence in quantum systems in a static gravitational field

TL;DR

This paper investigates how a quantum superposition in a static gravitational field experiences decoherence over time, revealing two distinct time scales related to gravitational redshift differences.

Contribution

It introduces a model analyzing decoherence in quantum systems due to static gravitational fields, identifying two characteristic decoherence time scales.

Findings

Decoherence times are inversely proportional to gravitational redshift differences.

Two decoherence regimes: linear and quadratic in time.

Decoherence depends on the gravitational potential difference between superposed states.

Abstract

A small quantum system is studied which is a superposition of states localized in different positions in a static gravitational field. The time evolution of the correlation between different positions is investigated, and it is seen that there are two time scales for such an evolution (decoherence). Both time scales are inversely proportional to the red shift difference between the two points. These time scales correspond to decoherences which are linear and quadratic, respectively, in time.