Gravitational wave mirror experiments can evolve into quantum entities


Date:
March 15, 2022
Source:
American Institute of Physics
Summary:
Scientists review research on gravitational wave detectors as
a historical example of quantum technologies and examine the
fundamental research on the connection between quantum physics and
gravity. The team examined recent gravitational wave experiments,
showing it is possible to shield large objects from strong
influences from the thermal and seismic environment to allow
them to evolve as one quantum object. This decoupling from the
environment enables measurement sensitivities that would otherwise
be impossible.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Quantum physical experiments exploring the motion of macroscopic or
heavy bodies under gravitational forces require protection from any environmental noise and highly efficient sensing.


==========================================================================
An ideal system is a highly reflecting mirror whose motion is sensed
by monochromatic light, which is photoelectrically detected with high
quantum efficiency. A quantum optomechanical experiment is achieved if the quantum uncertainties of light and mirror motion influence each other, ultimately leading to the observation of entanglement between optical
and motional degrees of freedom.

In AVS Quantum Science, co-published by AIP Publishing and AVS,
researchers from Hamburg University in Germany review research on
gravitational wave detectors as a historical example of quantum
technologies and examine the fundamental research on the connection
between quantum physics and gravity.

Gravitational wave astronomy requires unprecedented sensitivities for
measuring the tiny space-time oscillations at audio-band frequencies
and below.

The team examined recent gravitational wave experiments, showing it is
possible to shield large objects, such as a 40-kilogram quartz glass
mirror reflecting 200 kilowatts of laser light, from strong influences
from the thermal and seismic environment to allow them to evolve as one
quantum object.

"The mirror perceives only the light, and the light only the mirror. The environment is basically not there for the two of them," said author
Roman Schnabel. "Their joint evolution is described by the Schro"dinger equation." This decoupling from the environment, which is central to all quantum technologies, including the quantum computer, enables measurement sensitivities that would otherwise be impossible.

The researchers review intersects with Nobel laureate Roger Penrose's
work on exploring the quantum behavior of massive objects. Penrose sought
to better understand the connection between quantum physics and gravity,
which remains an open question.

Penrose thought of an experiment in which light would be coupled to a mechanical device via radiation pressure. In their review, the researchers
show while these very fundamental questions in physics remain unresolved,
the highly shielded coupling of massive devices that reflect laser light
is beginning to improve sensor technology.

Going forward, researchers will likely explore further decoupling
gravitational wave detectors from influences of the environment.

More broadly speaking, the decoupling of quantum devices from any thermal energy exchange with the environment is key. It is required for quantum measurement devices as well as quantum computers.


========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by American_Institute_of_Physics. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Roman Schnabel, Mikhail Korobko. Macroscopic quantum mechanics in
gravitational-wave observatories and beyond. AVS Quantum Science,
2022; 4 (1): 014701 DOI: 10.1116/5.0077548 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220315112634.htm

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