Quantum spreading of a self-gravitating wave-packet in singularity free gravity

TL;DR

This study explores how a quantum wave-packet of a self-gravitating system spreads faster in ghost-free infinite derivative gravity than in Newtonian gravity, offering potential laboratory tests for quantum gravity effects.

Contribution

First analysis of wave-packet spreading in ghost-free infinite derivative gravity, revealing faster spreading compared to Newtonian gravity, highlighting observable quantum gravity effects.

Findings

Wave-packet spreads faster in ghost-free gravity.

Potential for laboratory tests of quantum gravity.

Provides insights into short-distance gravitational behavior.

Abstract

In this paper we will study for the first time how the wave-packet of a self-gravitating meso-scopic system spreads in theories beyond Einstein's general relativity. In particular, we will consider a ghost-free infinite derivative gravity, which resolves the $1/r$ singularity in the potential - such that the gradient of the potential vanishes within the scale of non-locality. We will show that a quantum wave-packet spreads faster for a ghost-free and singularity-free gravity as compared to the Newtonian case, therefore providing us a unique scenario for testing classical and quantum properties of short-distance gravity in a laboratory in the near future.