Testing the Dirac equation

TL;DR

This paper discusses how to test the fundamental Dirac equation and its potential deviations predicted by theories like loop gravity and string theory through astrophysical and laboratory experiments.

Contribution

It proposes observational and experimental methods to test the deterministic evolution of quantum fields and constrain anomalous terms from advanced theories.

Findings

Constraints on anomalous terms from astrophysical data

Laboratory spectroscopy limits on deviations

Potential to test quantum field dynamics in curved spacetime

Abstract

The dynamical equations which are basic for the description of the dynamics of quantum felds in arbitrary space--time geometries, can be derived from the requirements of a unique deterministic evolution of the quantum fields, the superposition principle, a finite propagation speed, and probability conservation. We suggest and describe observations and experiments which are able to test the unique deterministic evolution and analyze given experimental data from which restrictions of anomalous terms violating this basic principle can be concluded. One important point is, that such anomalous terms are predicted from loop gravity as well as from string theories. Most accurate data can be obtained from future astrophysical observations. Also, laboratory tests like spectroscopy give constraints on the anomalous terms.