Humanity is now closer to developing an inclusive “all theories” framework to explain the physical universe. A new paper has been published in PRX Quantum.
Three scientists from the US have designed an experiment they believe can bridge the gap between quantum mechanics and Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
Quantum Mechanics elucidates the physics of the subatomic realm, while General Relativity addresses the large-scale universe, encompassing the physics of space, time, and gravity. Unfortunately, the two theories do not align.
“Both quantum theory and Einstein’s gravity theory have undergone rigorous testing and perform exceptionally well,” stated Dr. Igor Pikovsky, an assistant professor of physics at the Stevens Institute in New Jersey, as reported by BBC Science Focus.
“However, one of the greatest challenges in modern physics is to unify these two theories into a single coherent framework. So far, such a joint theory remains elusive.”
Pikovsky, along with Dr. Jacob Coby from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and Dr. Johannes Borlegaard from Harvard University, has conceived an experiment to elucidate how these two theories can coexist—an achievement that has never been accomplished before.
The goal? To uncover how quantum effects respond to the curvature of space-time.
The curvature of space-time, as described by Einstein, posits that gravity results from the bending of space and time around massive objects (like planets), causing time to pass more slowly closer to these objects.
Scientists have engineered atomic clock systems interconnected within quantum networks, demonstrating how they are influenced by curved space-time.
Atomic clocks are capable of measuring time with remarkable precision. Through a phenomenon known as entanglement, these quantum states can be interconnected, and the superposition principle allows clocks to experience multiple timeframes simultaneously, due to the unique property of existing in various states at once.
By situating these clocks in diverse locations, the quantum network can identify minute variations in time movement caused by the gravitational distortion of space-time.
“If successful, such a test would represent the inaugural assessment of the ‘quantum theory of curved space-time,’ shedding light on how quantum systems behave within the framework of Einstein’s gravity,” Pikovsky remarked.
This experiment marks a crucial initial step in testing how these theories might be unified, relying on existing technology.
Pikovsky expressed hope that the paper would kindle “interest and excitement about the numerous mysteries that nature still holds.”
He added:
“Our findings indicate that quantum technology can be harnessed to address some of these questions through real-world experiments for the first time.”
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About our experts
Dr. Igor Pikovsky is an assistant professor of physics at the Stevens Institute in New Jersey, USA. He earned his PhD in Quantum Mechanics from the University of Vienna in 2014. His current research focuses on quantum phenomena, quantum fundamentals, and quantum information science.
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
