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Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe & European Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO/Europe-EQEC)

Macroscopic quantum resonators in space

Rainer Kaltenbaek, Gerald Hechenblaikner, Nikolai Kiesel, Ulrich A. Johann, Markus Aspelmeyer

Published May 1, 2011• 4 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We propose a space-based experiment that aims at testing the predictions of quantum theory against those of macrorealistic models. The proposed experimental layout, including a thermal shield to thermally isolate the setup from the spacecraft. Using this setup, a dielectric nanosphere is optically trapped and then cooled to the ground state. Then the particle is released, and its wavefunction will expand. After a certain time, a UV pulse is sent through the center of the wavefunction. If the UV light is not scattered, the wavefunction will be divided in two regions that will interfere. In order to parametrize the decoherence predicted by quantum theory or by other theoretical models, we introduce the Coherent-Expansion Distance; that is the distance between the two parts of the wavefunction that we can achieve and still see good interference afterwards. We will describe the proposed experimental layout, the technical prerequisites, and we will describe the conditions under which the proposed experiment should be able to distinguish between quantum theory and several distinct macrorealistic models like the K-Model, the Penrose Model, and the GRW Model.

DOI
10.1109/cleoe.2011.5943659

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We propose a space-based experiment that aims at testing the predictions of quantum theory against those of macrorealistic models. The proposed experimental layout, including a thermal shield to thermally isolate the setup from the spacecraft. Using this setup, a dielectric nanosphere is optically trapped and then cooled to the ground state. Then the particle is released, and its wavefunction will expand. After a certain time, a UV pulse is sent through the center of the wavefunction. If the UV light is not scattered, the wavefunction will be divided in two regions that will interfere. In order to parametrize the decoherence predicted by quantum theory or by other theoretical models, we introduce the Coherent-Expansion Distance; that is the distance between the two parts of the wavefunction that we can achieve and still see good interference afterwards. We will describe the proposed experimental layout, the technical prerequisites, and we will describe the conditions under which the proposed experiment should be able to distinguish between quantum theory and several distinct macrorealistic models like the K-Model, the Penrose Model, and the GRW Model.
Recent developments in space technology like micro-propulsion systems for drag-free control, thermal shielding, ultra-stable laser sources and stable optical cavities set an ideal platform for quantum optomechanical experiments with optically trapped dielectric spheres. Here, we will provide an overview of the results of recent studies aiming at the realization of the space mission MAQRO to test the foundations of quantum physics in a parameter regime orders of magnitude beyond existing experiments. In particular, we will discuss DECIDE, which is an experiment to prepare and then study a Schrödinger-cat-type state, where a dielectric nanosphere of around 100nm radius is prepared in a superposition of being in two clearly distinct positions at the same time. This superposition leads to double-slit-type interference, and the visibility of the interference pattern will be compared to the predictions of quantum theory. This approach allows for testing for possible deviations from quantum theory as our test objects approach macroscopic dimensions. With DECIDE, it will be possible to distinctly test several prominent theoretical models that predict such deviations, for example: the Diósi-Pensrose model, the continuous-spontaneous-localization model of Ghirardi, Rimini, Weber and Pearle, and the model of Károlyházy.
Quantum physics challenges our understanding of the nature of physical reality and of space-time and suggests the necessity of radical revisions of their underlying concepts. Experimental tests of quantum phenomena involving massive macroscopic objects would provide novel insights into these fundamental questions. Making use of the unique environment provided by space, MAQRO aims at investigating this largely unexplored realm of macroscopic quantum physics. MAQRO has originally been proposed as a medium-sized fundamental-science space mission for the 2010 call of Cosmic Vision. MAQRO unites two experiments: DECIDE (DECoherence In Double-Slit Experiments) and CASE (Comparative Acceleration Sensing Experiment). The main scientific objective of MAQRO, which is addressed by the experiment DECIDE, is to test the predictions of quantum theory for quantum superpositions of macroscopic objects containing more than 10 8 atoms. Under these conditions, deviations due to various suggested alternative models to quantum theory would become visible. These models have been suggested to harmonize the paradoxical quantum phenomena both with the classical macroscopic world and with our notion of Minkowski space-time. The second scientific objective of MAQRO, which is addressed by the experiment CASE, is to demonstrate the performance of a novel type of inertial sensor based on optically trapped microspheres. CASE is a technology demonstrator that shows how the modular design of DECIDE allows to easily incorporate it with other missions that have compatible requirements in terms of spacecraft and orbit. CASE can, at the same time, serve as a test bench for the weak equivalence principle, i.e., the universality of free fall with test-masses differing in their mass by 7 orders of magnitude.
Quantum physics challenges our understanding of the nature of physical reality and of space-time and suggests the necessity of radical revisions of their underlying concepts. Experimental tests of quantum phenomena involving massive macroscopic objects would provide novel insights into these fundamental questions. Making use of the unique environment provided by space, MAQRO aims at investigating this largely unexplored realm of macroscopic quantum physics. MAQRO has originally been proposed as a medium-sized fundamental-science space mission for the 2010 call of Cosmic Vision. MAQRO unites two experiments: DECIDE (DECoherence In Double-Slit Experiments) and CASE (Comparative Acceleration Sensing Experiment). The main scientific objective of MAQRO, which is addressed by the experiment DECIDE, is to test the predictions of quantum theory for quantum superpositions of macroscopic objects containing more than 108 atoms. Under these conditions, deviations due to various suggested alternative models to quantum theory would become visible. These models have been suggested to harmonize the paradoxical quantum phenomena both with the classical macroscopic world and with our notion of Minkowski space-time. The second scientific objective of MAQRO, which is addressed by the experiment CASE, is to demonstrate the performance of a novel type of inertial sensor based on optically trapped microspheres. CASE is a technology demonstrator that shows how the modular design of DECIDE allows to easily incorporate it with other missions that have compatible requirements in terms of spacecraft and orbit. CASE can, at the same time, serve as a test bench for the weak equivalence principle, i.e., the universality of free fall with test-masses differing in their mass by 7 orders of magnitude. I.
The focus of this work is discussing the realization of space based experiments testing quantum mechanics, specifically quantum optics. The main experimental work is the practical realization of the earthbound part of a possible interferometric experiment that can be realized with a delayed-choice operational mode. The full Earth-satellite realization of this experimental scheme could set a new record on the distance to which delayed-choice schemes have been experimentally realized. General relativistic effects on Earth-satellite experiments is also discussed, in the case of two different setups. One of those is essentially the ground-space implementation of the interferometer realized in the laboratory, while the other represents a different possibility that could in principle measure gravitational redshift to single photons to greater extent. Which-path behavior and interference were observed to a very good degree on the interferometer realized in the lab. Specifically, the assessment of interference visibility, which was done after careful alignement of the setup, yields a value of approximately 95%, and a comparable value of approx 93% was obtained with an alternative setup which was also experimentally realized in the laboratory. As far as theoretical computations are concerned, a good formalism to deal with space-based interferometric measurements was pointed out, which allows to take into account both special relativistic contributes and general relativistic corrections to the amplitude describing the photons involved with this kind of experiments. Two different setups, which are candidates for the measurement of single photon gravitational redshift, were analyzed with this formalism. The setup with one interferometer on the ground and the other on the satellite, in principle, constitutes a good way to observe this effect by means of a phase measurement, to the first order in the gravitational potentials.
In this article, we review the proposed experiments for the Deep Space Quantum Link (DSQL) mission concept aiming to probe gravitational effects on quantum optical systems. Quantum theory and general relativity are the two most successful frameworks we have to describe the universe. These theories have been validated through experimental confirmations in their domains of application— the macroscopic domain for relativity, and the microscopic domain for quantum theory. To date, laboratory experiments conducted in a regime where both theories manifest measurable effects on photons are limited. Satellite platforms enable the transmission of quantum states of light between different inertial frames and over distances impossible to emulate in the laboratory. The DSQL concept proposes simultaneous tests of quantum mechanics and general relativity enabled by quantum optical links to one or more spacecrafts.