Quantum superposition of spacetimes obeys Einstein's Equivalence Principle

TL;DR

This paper proposes a generalized formulation of Einstein's Equivalence Principle that accommodates quantum superpositions of spacetime, reconciling quantum theory with general relativity without requiring spontaneous collapse.

Contribution

It introduces quantum diffeomorphisms and Quantum Reference Frames to extend the Equivalence Principle to superposed spacetimes, challenging previous assumptions of conflict.

Findings

Superpositions of spacetime can obey the Equivalence Principle with a generalized formulation.

No need for spontaneous collapse in superposed massive bodies according to the new framework.

Reconciliation of quantum superposition with general covariance and gravity principles.

Abstract

We challenge the view that there is a basic conflict between the fundamental principles of Quantum Theory and General Relativity, and in particular the fact that a superposition of massive bodies would lead to a violation of the Equivalence Principle. It has been argued that this violation implies that such a superposition must inevitably spontaneously collapse (like in the Di\'osi-Penrose model). We identify the origin of such an assertion in the impossibility of finding a local, classical reference frame in which Einstein's Equivalence Principle would hold. In contrast, we argue that the formulation of the Equivalence Principle can be generalised so that it holds for reference frames that are associated to quantum systems in a superposition of spacetimes. The core of this new formulation is the introduction of a quantum diffeomorphism to such Quantum Reference Frames (QRFs). This procedure reconciles the principle of linear superposition in Quantum Theory with the principle of general covariance and the Equivalence Principle of General Relativity. Hence, it is not necessary to invoke a gravity-induced spontaneous state reduction when a massive body is prepared in a spatial superposition.