Testing the Quantum Equivalence Principle with Gravitational Waves

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the quantum equivalence principle affects gravitational wave signals and uses LIGO/Virgo data to set bounds on possible violations, with implications for future detectors.

Contribution

It introduces a formalism linking quantum equivalence principle violations to gravitational wave observables and derives experimental bounds from existing data.

Findings

Bounds on quantum equivalence principle violations from LIGO/Virgo data

Formalism applicable to future gravitational wave detectors

Constraints on differences between inertial, gravitational, and rest masses

Abstract

We study modifications of gravitational wave observables, such as the wave amplitude and frequency, which follow from the quantum equivalence principle, and are expressed in terms of the inertial, gravitational and rest masses of the LIGO/Virgo mirrors. We provide bounds on the violations of the quantum equivalence principle by comparing the results with the most resolved gravitational wave events observed by the LIGO/Virgo collaboration. The formalism is equally applicable to other future ground and space-based gravitational wave detectors.