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arXiv:1110.4495 · Physical Review A

Quantum superposition of massive objects and collapse models

Oriol Romero‐Isart

Published Nov 28, 2011• 276 citations
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Abstract

We analyze the requirements to test some of the most paradigmatic collapse models with a protocol that prepares quantum superpositions of massive objects. This consists of coherently expanding the wave function of a ground-state-cooled mechanical resonator, performing a squared position measurement that acts as a double slit, and observing interference after further evolution. The analysis is performed in a general framework and takes into account only unavoidable sources of decoherence: blackbody radiation and scattering of environmental particles. We also discuss the limitations imposed by the experimental implementation of this protocol using cavity quantum optomechanics with levitating dielectric nanospheres.

DOI
10.1103/physreva.84.052121

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We analyze the requirements to test some of the most paradigmatic collapse models with a protocol that prepares quantum superpositions of massive objects. This consists of coherently expanding the wave function of a ground-state-cooled mechanical resonator, performing a squared position measurement that acts as a double slit, and observing interference after further evolution. The analysis is performed in a general framework and takes into account only unavoidable sources of decoherence: blackbody radiation and scattering of environmental particles. We also discuss the limitations imposed by the experimental implementation of this protocol using cavity quantum optomechanics with levitating dielectric nanospheres.
We propose a method to prepare and verify spatial quantum superpositions of a nanometer-sized object separated by distances of the order of its size. This method provides unprecedented bounds for objective collapse models of the wave function by merging techniques and insights from cavity quantum optomechanics and matter-wave interferometry. An analysis and simulation of the experiment is performed taking into account standard sources of decoherence. We provide an operational parameter regime using present-day and planned technology.
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Micro-optomechanical systems are central to a number of recent proposals for realizing quantum mechanical effects in relatively massive systems. Here, we focus on a particular class of experiments which aim to demonstrate massive quantum superpositions, although the obtained results should be generalizable to similar experiments. We analyze in detail the effects of finite temperature on the interpretation of the experiment, and obtain a lower bound on the degree of non-classicality of the cantilever. Although it is possible to measure the quantum decoherence time when starting from finite temperature, an unambiguous demonstration of a quantum superposition requires the mechanical resonator to be in or near the ground state. This can be achieved by optical cooling of the fundamental mode, which also provides a method to measure the mean phonon number in that mode. We also calculate the rate of environmentally induced decoherence and estimate the timescale for gravitational collapse mechanisms as proposed by Penrose and Diosi. In view of recent experimental advances, practical considerations for the realization of the described experiment are discussed.
An open problem in modern physics is why microscopic quantum objects can be at two places at once (i.e. a superposed quantum state) while macroscpoic classical object never show such a behaviour. Collapse models provides a quantitative answer for this problem and explain how macroscopic classical world emerges out of microscopic quantum world. A universal noise field is postulated in collapse models, inducing appropriate Brownian- motion corrections to standard quantum dynamics. The strength of collapse-driven Brownian fluctuations depend on: (i) the parameters characterizing the system (e.g., mass, size, density), and (ii) two phenomenological parameters defining the statistical properties of the collapse noise. The collapse-driven Brownian motion works such that microscopic systems behave quantum mechanically, while macroscopic objects are classical. At the intermediate mesocopic scale, collapse models predict deviations from standard quantum predictions. This issue has been subject of experimental tests. All experiments to date have been at the scales where collapse effects are negligible for all practical purposes. However, recent experimental progress in revealing quantum features of larger objects, increases the hope for testing at unprecedented scales where collapse models can be falsified. Current experiments are mainly focused on the preparation of macroscopic systems in a spatial quantum superposition state. The collapse effects would then manifest as loss of visibility in the observed inference pattern. However, one needs a quantum interference with single particles of mass ∼ 10 10 amu for a decisive test of collapse models. Creating such massive superpositionsis quite challenging, and beyond currectstate-of-the-art. Quite recently, an alternative approach has been proposed where the collapse manifests in the fluctuating properties of light interacting with the quantum system. The great advantage of this new approach is that here there is no need for the preparation of a quantum superposed state. It has been discussed that promising results can be revealed in the spectrum of light interacting with a radiation pressure-driven mechanical oscillator in a cavity optomechanics setting. Here, we review the theoretical modelling of the above optomechenical proposal. We discuss how collapse-driven Brownian motion modifies the spectrum. We quantify the collapse effect and explain how it depends on the parameters of the mechanical oscillator (e.g., mass, density, geometry).
Quantum mechanics is grounded on the superposition principle, which is the source both of its tremendous success and technological power, as well as of the problems in understanding it. The reason why superpositions do not propagate from the microscopic to the macroscopic world are subject to debate. Spontaneous wave function collapse models have been formulated to take into account a progressive breakdown of quantum superpositions when systems are large enough; they do so by modifying the Schrödinger dynamics, and therefore they are empirically testable. Deviations are tiny, and require precision measurements. I will review collapse models, and present the most recent experimental tests.