Universal limit on spatial quantum superpositions with massive objects due to phonons
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: It has been a long-standing goal to bring massive objects into a superposition of different locations in real space, not only to confirm quantum theory in new regimes, but also to explore the interface with gravity. The main challenge is usually thought to arise from forces or scattering due to environmental fields and particles that decohere the large object's wave function into a statistical mixture. We unveil a decoherence channel which cannot be eliminated by improved isolation from the environment. It originates from sound waves within the object, which are excited as part of any splitting process and carry partial information. This puts stringent constraints on future spatial superpositions of large objects. Published by the American Physical Society 2024
Source: Physical Review A
Authors: Carsten Henkel, Ron Folman
Institutions: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, University of Potsdam
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,675
Funders: National Science Foundation, Simons Foundation, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Israel Science Foundation, QuantERA, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme, Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, Israel Innovation Authority
Awards: G1956973167, Quantum Splitting and Recombination of Massive Particles Using Coherent Spin Dynamics of Nanodiamonds, G2500807902, G3475964866, G4468173741, G4871932269, G5261598906, G6255981015, G6568926197, SFB 1636: Elementarprozesse Lichtgetriebener Reaktionen an Nanoskaligen Metallen, G7074087921, Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, G985207216
OpenAlex ID: W4403762852