Measuring space-time curvature using maximally path-entangled quantum states

Author(s)
Thomas B. Mieling, Christopher Hilweg, Philip Walther
Abstract

Experiments at the interface of quantum field theory and general relativity would greatly benefit theoretical research towards their unification. The gravitational aspects of quantum experiments performed so far can be explained either within Newtonian gravity or by Einstein's equivalence principle. Here, we describe a way to measure components of the Riemann curvature tensor with maximally path-entangled quantum states of light. We show that the entanglement-induced increase in sensitivity also holds for gravitationally induced phases in Mach-Zehnder interferometers. As a result, the height difference between the two interferometer arms necessary to rule out flat space-time by measuring gravity gradients can be significantly reduced.

Organisation(s)
Gravitational Physics, Research Network Quantum Aspects of Space Time, Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics and Quantum Information
Journal
Physical Review A
Volume
106
No. of pages
5
ISSN
2469-9926
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.106.L031701
Publication date
09-2022
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
103024 Quantum field theory, 103026 Quantum optics, 103028 Theory of relativity
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/measuring-spacetime-curvature-using-maximally-pathentangled-quantum-states(98e4203c-6999-4b0c-8dc1-b24328dae201).html