Relativistic quantum metrology
Abstract
Quantum information theory studies how the laws of quantum mechanics affect the processing of information. This program will develop an effective quantum and semi-classical mechanics of spinning massive particles and photons, complete a self-consistent and experimentally relevant characterization of their localization, produce a tractable and unambiguous description of spin coupling with external fields, and obtain an explicit characterization of interferometry in weak gravitational fields. These results will inform the design of quantum-optical gravity probes. The approach is based on novel descriptors of particle localization, methods of solution of the Dirac equation and new development in the semiclassical description of particles in external fields. Further, techniques of the post-Newtonian gravity will be employed in the analysis of interference experiments. The outcomes of these investigation include tight bounds on relativistic position-momentum uncertainty relations and a consistent description of the relativistic Stern-Gerlach experiment. We expect to resolve the controversies about a transversal force in the electric field and spingravity coupling within general relativity. For photons we will evaluate the effects of gravity on measures of classical and quantum optical coherence in the near-Earth environment. The results will impact theory, especially quantum foundations, and high-precision metrology. In particular, they will enable to design quantum-optical tests of the equivalence principle and tests for improving bounds on theories other than general relativity. Analysis of decoherence will produce the baseline for gravity-induced decoherence experiments that aim to detect the signatures of quantum gravity. Studies of spin-gravity coupling will allow to evaluate or dismiss the effects of gravity and acceleration-related limits on performance of atomic clocks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 11, 2017
- Source ID
- FA23861714015
Entities
People
- Daniel R Terno
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Macquarie University
- United States Air Force