On the Equivalence Principle in Quantum Theory

TL;DR

This paper explores a generalized equivalence principle applicable to quantum systems, demonstrating its validity in matter wave interferometry and its potential to elucidate quantum interactions with gravity.

Contribution

It introduces a new generalized form of the weak equivalence principle that encompasses quantum phenomena and applies it to matter wave interferometry and quantum-gravity interactions.

Findings

The generalized equivalence principle is valid for matter wave interferometry.

The mean position path in gravitational fields satisfies the generalized principle.

This approach helps determine quantum interactions with gravitational and inertial fields.

Abstract

The role of the equivalence principle in the context of non-relativistic quantum mechanics and matter wave interferometry, especially atom beam interferometry, will be discussed. A generalised form of the weak equivalence principle which is capable of covering quantum phenomena too, will be proposed. It is shown that this generalised equivalence principle is valid for matter wave interferometry and for the dynamics of expectation values. In addition, the use of this equivalence principle makes it possible to determine the structure of the interaction of quantum systems with gravitational and inertial fields. It is also shown that the path of the mean value of the position operator in the case of gravitational interaction does fulfill this generalised equivalence principle.