Testing quantum theory on curved space-time with quantum networks

TL;DR

This paper proposes using quantum networks to experimentally test the interplay between quantum mechanics and general relativity by observing entanglement and interference effects influenced by gravitational time dilation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel protocol leveraging quantum networks for testing quantum theory in curved space-time, enabling clock interferometry over large distances.

Findings

Photon-mediated entanglement can probe time-dilation effects.

Interference depends on proper time differences, confirming quantum-gravity interplay.

Protocol is feasible for km-scale or larger separations.

Abstract

Quantum technologies present new opportunities for fundamental tests of nature. One potential application is to probe the interplay between quantum physics and general relativity - a field of physics with no empirical evidence yet. Here we show that quantum networks open a new window to test this interface. We demonstrate how photon mediated entanglement between atomic or atom-like systems can be used to probe time-dilation induced entanglement and interference modulation. Key are non-local measurements between clocks in a gravitational field, which can be achieved either through direct photon interference or by using auxiliary entanglement. The resulting observable depends on the interference between different proper times, and can only be explained if both quantum theory and general relativity are taken into account. The proposed protocol enables clock interferometry on km-scale separations and beyond. Our work thus shows a realistic experimental route for a first test of quantum theory on curved space-time, opening up new scientific opportunities for quantum networks.