Conceptual tensions between quantum mechanics and general relativity: Are there experimental consequences?

TL;DR

This paper explores the conceptual conflict between quantum mechanics and general relativity, discussing potential experimental implications involving macroscopic quantum fluids and the possibility of converting electromagnetic waves into gravitational waves.

Contribution

It proposes a minimal-coupling rule linking electron spin in curved spacetime to interactions between EM and gravitational radiation in quantum Hall fluids, suggesting a new transducer mechanism.

Findings

Quantum fluids may mediate EM-GR wave interactions.

Potential for EM to GR wave conversion using quantum Hall systems.

Highlights conceptual tensions with possible experimental tests.

Abstract

One of the conceptual tensions between quantum mechanics (QM) and general relativity (GR) arises from the clash between the spatial nonseparability of entangled states in QM, and the complete spatial separability of all physical systems in GR, i.e., between the nonlocality implied by the superposition principle, and the locality implied by the equivalence principle. Possible experimental consequences of this conceptual tension will be discussed for macroscopically entangled, coherent quantum fluids, such as superconductors, superfluids, atomic Bose-Einstein condensates, and quantum Hall fluids, interacting with tidal and gravitational radiation fields. A minimal-coupling rule, which arises from the electron spin coupled to curved spacetime, leads to an interaction between electromagnetic (EM) and gravitational (GR) radiation fields mediated by a quantum Hall fluid. This suggests the possibility of a quantum transducer action, in which EM waves are convertible to GR waves, and vice versa.