On tests of the quantum nature of gravitational interactions in presence of non-linear corrections to quantum mechanics

TL;DR

This paper shows that entanglement alone cannot definitively prove the quantum nature of gravity, as non-linear quantum corrections can produce similar effects, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive tests.

Contribution

It demonstrates that entanglement can arise from non-linear quantum effects, challenging the assumption that entanglement confirms quantum gravity.

Findings

Entanglement can occur with classical or non-linear quantum interactions.

Non-linear corrections can mimic quantum gravitational entanglement.

Testing quantum gravity requires examining other quantum forces and corrections.

Abstract

When two particles interact primarily through gravity and follow the laws of quantum mechanics, the generation of entanglement is considered a hallmark of the quantum nature of the gravitational interaction. However, we demonstrate that entanglement dynamics can also occur in the presence of a weak quantum interaction and non-linear corrections to local quantum mechanics, even if the gravitational interaction is classical or absent at short distances. This highlights the importance of going beyond entanglement detection to conclusively test the quantum character of gravity, and it requires a thorough examination of the strength of other quantum forces and potential non-linear corrections to quantum mechanics in the realm of large masses.