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arXiv:2203.10269 · Physical Review A

Proposed test of quantum mechanics with three connected atomic clock transitions

Mark G. Raizen, Gerald N. Gilbert, Dmitry Budker

Published Sep 12, 2022• 5 citations
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Abstract

We consider possible extensions to quantum mechanics proposed by Weinberg [S. Weinberg, Phys. Rev. A 94, 042117 (2016)] and reanalyze his prediction of a new test based upon three atomic clocks in the same atom. We propose realistic experimental systems where this hypothesis can be tested. Two systems already set limits on deviations from quantum mechanics, while with another system one would be able to search for new physics at the limit of sensitivity of the best atomic clocks.

DOI
10.1103/physreva.106.032209

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We consider possible extensions to quantum mechanics proposed by Weinberg [S. Weinberg, Phys. Rev. A 94, 042117 (2016)] and reanalyze his prediction of a new test based upon three atomic clocks in the same atom. We propose realistic experimental systems where this hypothesis can be tested. Two systems already set limits on deviations from quantum mechanics, while with another system one would be able to search for new physics at the limit of sensitivity of the best atomic clocks.
Atomic physics experiments which test a nonlinear generalization of quantum mechanics recently formulated by Weinberg are described. The experiments search for a dependence of hyperfine transition frequencies or nuclear spin precession frequencies on the relative populations of the hyperfine or nuclear spin states. set limits less than 10 pHz on the size of the possible nonlinear contributions to these frequencies. In some cases this can be interpreted as a limit of less than- on the fraction of binding energy per nucleon that could be due to a nonlinear correction to a nuclear Hamiltonian. nonlinear addition to quantum mechanics violates causality is discussed. The experiments The possibility that a
Quantum mechanics predicts that interference arising from multiple slits can be reduced to a sum of outcomes from the simpler one- and two-slit counterparts. Testing deviations from these results has been discussed as testing the validity of Born's rule. Here an experiment that considers the evolution between three levels of an atom as the quantum paths is devised, providing precision tools that can be used to test universality of Born's and to constrain theories designed to supersede quantum mechanics.
An alternative to the current accepted model of expanding universe is presented. The proposal is anchored in the objective realist, stochastic formulation of quantum mechanics wherein the Planck constant plays the role of a diffusion constant which need not be an universal constant for all epochs. This underlying noise is charecterised by a very high initial value of the Planck constant which gradually decreased over the epochs gone by, finally reaching its present value .It is this decrease in the strength of the Planck constant that causes a spectral red shift with the passage of time .The compatibility of this proposal with some cosmological data is shown.Feasible spectroscopic measurement of a specific spectral line frequency done over a period of a few years can decisively either validate or invalidate the proposal in a terrestrially bound experiment. This proposal predicts a slowing down of atomic clocks by nearly 2. 10^-18 s with respect to every preceding second. A positive experimental outcome will validate the objective realist basis of quantum physics as advocated by Einstein and many others.
We extend a nonlinear generalization of quantum mechanics, recently formulated by Weinberg, to systems of composite spin, such as atoms. We have used hydrogen (H) masers to set a limit of 3.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1020{10}^{20}1020 eV (8.9 \ensuremath{\mu} Hz) on the magnitude of a nonlinear correction to the quantum mechanics of atomic spins. This result is of comparable magnitude to the limit recently set in a single-valued (nuclear) spin system. In the absence of nonlinear effects, the experiment provides a new and stringent test of H-maser clock performance and the applicability of standard maser theory.