Astrophysical and Cosmological Tests of Quantum Theory

TL;DR

This paper explores astrophysical and cosmological methods to test quantum theory, focusing on potential violations predicted by hidden-variables theories through observations of cosmic phenomena.

Contribution

It proposes novel observational tests for quantum theory violations using astrophysical data, motivated by hidden-variables and equilibrium state hypotheses.

Findings

Potential detection of nonequilibrium quantum violations in cosmic microwave background

Predictions for observable effects in Hawking radiation and black hole photons

Framework for testing quantum theory in cosmological and astrophysical contexts

Abstract

We discuss several proposals for astrophysical and cosmological tests of quantum theory. The tests are motivated by deterministic hidden-variables theories, and in particular by the view that quantum physics is merely an effective theory of an equilibrium state. The proposed tests involve searching for nonequilibrium violations of quantum theory in: primordial inflaton fluctuations imprinted on the cosmic microwave background, relic cosmological particles, Hawking radiation, photons with entangled partners inside black holes, neutrino oscillations, and particles from very distant sources.