Testing Short Distance Anisotropy in Space

TL;DR

This paper explores the possibility that space may be anisotropic due to quantum gravity effects, which could be detectable at short distances using sensitive condensed matter experiments like scanning tunneling microscopy.

Contribution

It introduces a model of anisotropic quantum gravity corrections that deform the Heisenberg algebra and discusses potential experimental detection methods.

Findings

Quantum gravity corrections can induce measurable anisotropies at short distances.

Anisotropic deformations of the Heisenberg algebra could be observed with scanning tunneling microscopes.

Theoretical framework connects quantum gravity effects with condensed matter physics.

Abstract

The isotropy of space is not a logical requirement but rather is an empirical question; indeed there is suggestive evidence that universe might be anisotropic. A plausible source of these anisotropies could be quantum gravity corrections. If these corrections happen to be between the electroweak scale and the Planck scale, then these anisotropies can have measurable consequences at short distances and their effects can be measured using ultra sensitive condensed matter systems. We investigate how such anisotropic quantum gravity corrections modify low energy physics through an anisotropic deformation of the Heisenberg algebra. We discuss how such anisotropies might be observed using a scanning tunneling microscope.