On the interaction of mesoscopic quantum systems with gravity

TL;DR

This paper reviews how mesoscopic quantum systems interact with gravitational fields, exploring theoretical foundations, approximations, and experimental proposals involving quantum fluids and superconductors.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of proposed mechanisms and experimental foundations for studying quantum-gravity interactions at mesoscopic scales.

Findings

Quantum fluids can potentially detect gravitational waves.

Gravitomagnetic effects influence rotating superconductors.

Theoretical models support experimental exploration of quantum-gravity interactions.

Abstract

We review the different aspects of the interaction of mesoscopic quantum systems with gravitational fields. We first discuss briefly the foundations of general relativity and quantum mechanics. Then, we consider the non-relativistic expansions of the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations in the post-Newtonian approximation. After a short overview of classical gravitational waves, we discuss two proposed interaction mechanisms: (i) the use of quantum fluids as generator and/or detector of gravitational waves in the laboratory, and (ii) the inclusion of gravitomagnetic fields in the study of the properties of rotating superconductors. The foundations of the proposed experiments are explained and evaluated.