Noisy effects in interferometric quantum gravity tests

TL;DR

This paper investigates how noise and decoherence impact the enhanced sensitivity of quantum interferometers used in testing quantum gravity effects, focusing on the fragility of entanglement under realistic conditions.

Contribution

It provides an analysis of the effects of environmental noise and modified commutation relations on entanglement-based quantum metrology in gravity tests.

Findings

Noise reduces entanglement and sensitivity gains

Environmental decoherence impacts measurement precision

Modified commutation relations can alter quantum signals

Abstract

Quantum-enhanced metrology is boosting interferometer sensitivities to extraordinary levels, up to the point where table-top experiments have been proposed to measure Planck-scale effects predicted by quantum gravity theories. In setups involving multiple photon interferometers, as those for measuring the so-called holographic fluctuations, entanglement provides substantial improvements in sensitivity. Entanglement is however a fragile resource and may be endangered by decoherence phenomena. We analyze how noisy effects arising either from the weak coupling to an external environment or from the modification of the canonical commutation relations in photon propagation may affect this entanglement enhanced gain in sensitivity.