Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Optical and Quantum Sensing and Precision Metrology II

Gravitational decoherence and gravitational-wave function collapse

Angelo Bassi

Published Mar 1, 2019• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Gravitational decoherence and gravitational wave function collapse are presented as two related but conceptually distinct ideas. Gravitational decoherence measures the effect of gravitational perturbations on the evolution of quantum systems, in particular their progressive lack of coherence. Gravitational wave function collapse starts with the assumption that the Schr¨odinger equation is not entirely right, and must be supplemented with extra terms, which cause the (random) collapse of the wave function; the collapse is then linked to gravity. Some of the most popular models are reviewed, with an emphasis on their conceptual status, stage of development, and open questions.

DOI
10.1117/12.2515594

Related papers

Gravitational decoherence

Angelo Bassi, André Großardt, Hendrik Ulbricht

Abstract We discuss effects of loss of coherence in low energy quantum systems caused by or related to gravitation, referred to as gravitational decoherence. These effects, resulting from random metric fluctuations, for instance, promise to be accessible by relatively inexpensive table-top experiments, way before the scales where true quantum gravity effects become important. Therefore, they can provide a first experimental view on gravity in the quantum regime. We will survey models of decoherence induced both by classical and quantum gravitational fluctuations; it will be manifest that a clear understanding of gravitational decoherence is still lacking. Next we will review models where quantum theory is modified, under the assumption that gravity causes the collapse of the wave functions, when systems are large enough. These models challenge the quantum-gravity interplay, and can be tested experimentally. In the last part we have a look at the state of the art of experimental research. We will review efforts aiming at more and more accurate measurements of gravity ( G and g ) and ideas for measuring conventional and unconventional gravity effects on nonrelativistic quantum systems.

arXiv:1706.05677•Classical and Quantum Gravity•Aug 15, 2017•192 citations

Does wave function collapse cause gravity?

Lajos Diósi

We give a twist to the assumption – discussed in various earlier works – that gravity plays a role in the collapse of the wave function. This time we discuss the contrary assumption that the collapse of the wave function plays a role in the emergence of the gravitational field. We start from the mathematical framework of a particular Newtonian gravitational collapse theory proposed by the author longtime ago, and we reconciliate it with the classical equivalence principle.

arXiv:0902.1464•Journal of Physics Conference Series•Jun 1, 2009•13 citations

Gravitational waves decohere quantum superpositions

Flynn Linton, Shubhanshu Tiwari

Abstract Understanding the interplay between quantum mechanical systems and gravity is a crucial step towards unifying these two fundamental ideas. Recent theoretical developments have explored how global properties of spacetime would cause a quantum spatial superposition to lose coherence. In particular, this loss of coherence is closely related to the memory effect, which is a prominent feature of gravitational radiation. In this work, we explore how a burst of gravitational radiation from a far-away source would decohere a quantum superposition. We identify the individual contributions to the decoherence from the memory and oscillatory components of the gravitational wave source, corresponding to hard and soft graviton emissions, respectively. In general, the memory contributions dominate, while the oscillatory component of the decoherence is strongly dependent on the phase of the burst when it is switched off. This work demonstrates how quantum systems can lose coherence from interactions with a classical gravitational field. We also comment on the electromagnetic analogue of this effect and discuss its correspondence to the gravitational case.

arXiv:2501.18111•Classical and Quantum Gravity•Sep 29, 2025•0 citations

Microscopic Origins of Collapse Models: Decoherence from Graviton Bremsstrahlung

Moslem Zarei

Some collapse models proposed that gravitational effects cause the instability of mass distribution superpositions, leading to wave function collapse. In this paper, we utilize the quantum Boltzmann equation (QBE) to analyze the behavior of a fermion in a spatial superposition under graviton emission. We introduce a quantitative measure that links the stability of the superposition to the spatial separation, particle mass, and gravitational coupling. By examining the collision term in the QBE, we derive the decoherence rate and show how it depends on these parameters. Our results provide a detailed framework for understanding gravity induced decoherence, bridging the gap between quantum field theory and collapse models. We also discuss the implications of these findings for experimental tests of gravitationally induced wave function collapse and the broader class of collapse models known as dissipative continuous spontaneous localization (CSL) model.

quant-pharXiv:2605.12955•May 14, 2026•0 citations

Gravity induced wave function collapse

Giulio Gasbarri, Marko Toroš, Sandro Donadi +1 more

Starting from an idea of S. L. Adler [in Quantum Nonlocality and Reality: 50 Years of Bell's Theorem, edited by M. Bell and S. Gao (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, England 2016)], we develop a novel model of gravity induced spontaneous wave function collapse. The collapse is driven by complex stochastic fluctuations of the spacetime metric. After deriving the fundamental equations, we prove the collapse and amplification mechanism, the two most important features of a consistent collapse model. Under reasonable simplifying assumptions, we constrain the strength $\ensuremath{\xi}$ of the complex metric fluctuations with available experimental data. We show that $\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\ge}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}26}$ in order for the model to guarantee classicality of macro-objects, and at the same time $\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\le}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}20}$ in order not to contradict experimental evidence. As a comparison, in the recent discovery of gravitational waves in the frequency range 35 to 250 Hz, the (real) metric fluctuations reach a peak of $\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}21}$.

arXiv:1701.02236•Physical review. D/Physical review. D.•Nov 13, 2017•75 citations

Gravitational waves and quantum systems: dynamics, decoherence, and the limits of electrodynamical analogy

Linda M. van Manen

This thesis investigates the role of gravitational waves in quantum systems, motivated by advances in our understanding of the quantum–gravity interface and efforts to identify experimental signatures of quantum gravity. It focuses on gravitational decoherence and the interplay between internal energy and centre-of-mass dynamics in composite quantum systems, complemented by a study of internal-energy effects in gravitationally mediated entanglement. First, we develop relativistic Hamiltonian formulations showing that changes in a composite system’s internal energy increase its gravitational mass rather than alter its momentum. This removes earlier ad hoc arguments for eliminating “anomalous friction forces”. We show that gravitational waves act as a dynamical background, inducing curvature-dependent forces that modify total momentum. Second, we revisit a thought experiment in which tensions between causality and complementarity arise. We identify a scenario in which these tensions follow from energy–mass equivalence, making the effect specific to gravitational interactions. In a gravitationally mediated entanglement experiment using Newtonian gravity as mediator, we investigate whether decohering gravitational radiation can resolve the apparent conflict. Finally, we build upon a model of gravitational decoherence consistent with general relativity. This requires deriving a higher-derivative quantum Langevin equation and master equation. The resulting dynamics show that gravitational interactions induce decoherence in the canonical momentum basis of the quadrupole and generate acceleration- and jerk-dependent corrections absent in electrodynamics. Together, these results show that weak-field gravitational interactions leave distinct relativistic imprints on quantum systems, including effects unique to gravitational waves, providing potential signatures that distinguish gravity from other interactions.

•Jan 1, 2026•0 citations
Gravitational decoherence and gravitational wave function collapse are presented as two related but conceptually distinct ideas. Gravitational decoherence measures the effect of gravitational perturbations on the evolution of quantum systems, in particular their progressive lack of coherence. Gravitational wave function collapse starts with the assumption that the Schr¨odinger equation is not entirely right, and must be supplemented with extra terms, which cause the (random) collapse of the wave function; the collapse is then linked to gravity. Some of the most popular models are reviewed, with an emphasis on their conceptual status, stage of development, and open questions.
Abstract We discuss effects of loss of coherence in low energy quantum systems caused by or related to gravitation, referred to as gravitational decoherence. These effects, resulting from random metric fluctuations, for instance, promise to be accessible by relatively inexpensive table-top experiments, way before the scales where true quantum gravity effects become important. Therefore, they can provide a first experimental view on gravity in the quantum regime. We will survey models of decoherence induced both by classical and quantum gravitational fluctuations; it will be manifest that a clear understanding of gravitational decoherence is still lacking. Next we will review models where quantum theory is modified, under the assumption that gravity causes the collapse of the wave functions, when systems are large enough. These models challenge the quantum-gravity interplay, and can be tested experimentally. In the last part we have a look at the state of the art of experimental research. We will review efforts aiming at more and more accurate measurements of gravity ( G and g ) and ideas for measuring conventional and unconventional gravity effects on nonrelativistic quantum systems.
Abstract Understanding the interplay between quantum mechanical systems and gravity is a crucial step towards unifying these two fundamental ideas. Recent theoretical developments have explored how global properties of spacetime would cause a quantum spatial superposition to lose coherence. In particular, this loss of coherence is closely related to the memory effect, which is a prominent feature of gravitational radiation. In this work, we explore how a burst of gravitational radiation from a far-away source would decohere a quantum superposition. We identify the individual contributions to the decoherence from the memory and oscillatory components of the gravitational wave source, corresponding to hard and soft graviton emissions, respectively. In general, the memory contributions dominate, while the oscillatory component of the decoherence is strongly dependent on the phase of the burst when it is switched off. This work demonstrates how quantum systems can lose coherence from interactions with a classical gravitational field. We also comment on the electromagnetic analogue of this effect and discuss its correspondence to the gravitational case.
Some collapse models proposed that gravitational effects cause the instability of mass distribution superpositions, leading to wave function collapse. In this paper, we utilize the quantum Boltzmann equation (QBE) to analyze the behavior of a fermion in a spatial superposition under graviton emission. We introduce a quantitative measure that links the stability of the superposition to the spatial separation, particle mass, and gravitational coupling. By examining the collision term in the QBE, we derive the decoherence rate and show how it depends on these parameters. Our results provide a detailed framework for understanding gravity induced decoherence, bridging the gap between quantum field theory and collapse models. We also discuss the implications of these findings for experimental tests of gravitationally induced wave function collapse and the broader class of collapse models known as dissipative continuous spontaneous localization (CSL) model.
Starting from an idea of S. L. Adler [in Quantum Nonlocality and Reality: 50 Years of Bell's Theorem, edited by M. Bell and S. Gao (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, England 2016)], we develop a novel model of gravity induced spontaneous wave function collapse. The collapse is driven by complex stochastic fluctuations of the spacetime metric. After deriving the fundamental equations, we prove the collapse and amplification mechanism, the two most important features of a consistent collapse model. Under reasonable simplifying assumptions, we constrain the strength $\ensuremath{\xi}$ of the complex metric fluctuations with available experimental data. We show that $\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\ge}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}26}$ in order for the model to guarantee classicality of macro-objects, and at the same time $\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\le}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}20}$ in order not to contradict experimental evidence. As a comparison, in the recent discovery of gravitational waves in the frequency range 35 to 250 Hz, the (real) metric fluctuations reach a peak of $\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}21}$.
This thesis investigates the role of gravitational waves in quantum systems, motivated by advances in our understanding of the quantum–gravity interface and efforts to identify experimental signatures of quantum gravity. It focuses on gravitational decoherence and the interplay between internal energy and centre-of-mass dynamics in composite quantum systems, complemented by a study of internal-energy effects in gravitationally mediated entanglement. First, we develop relativistic Hamiltonian formulations showing that changes in a composite system’s internal energy increase its gravitational mass rather than alter its momentum. This removes earlier ad hoc arguments for eliminating “anomalous friction forces”. We show that gravitational waves act as a dynamical background, inducing curvature-dependent forces that modify total momentum. Second, we revisit a thought experiment in which tensions between causality and complementarity arise. We identify a scenario in which these tensions follow from energy–mass equivalence, making the effect specific to gravitational interactions. In a gravitationally mediated entanglement experiment using Newtonian gravity as mediator, we investigate whether decohering gravitational radiation can resolve the apparent conflict. Finally, we build upon a model of gravitational decoherence consistent with general relativity. This requires deriving a higher-derivative quantum Langevin equation and master equation. The resulting dynamics show that gravitational interactions induce decoherence in the canonical momentum basis of the quadrupole and generate acceleration- and jerk-dependent corrections absent in electrodynamics. Together, these results show that weak-field gravitational interactions leave distinct relativistic imprints on quantum systems, including effects unique to gravitational waves, providing potential signatures that distinguish gravity from other interactions.