Is a tabletop search for Planck scale signals feasible?
arXiv:1211.3816 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevD.86.124040
Abstract
Quantum gravity theory is untested experimentally. Could it be tested with tabletop experiments? While the common feeling is pessimistic, a detailed inquiry shows it possible to sidestep the onerous requirement of localization of a probe on Planck length scale. I suggest a tabletop experiment which, given state of the art ultrahigh vacuum and cryogenic technology, could already be sensitive enough to detect Planck scale signals. The experiment combines a single photon's degree of freedom with one of a macroscopic probe to test Wheeler's conception of "quantum foam", the assertion that on length scales of the order Planck's, spacetime is no longer a smooth manifold. The scheme makes few assumptions beyond energy and momentum conservations, and is not based on a specific quantum gravity scheme.
9 pages, two jpg figures, RevTeX, added references, effects of dispersion shown negligible, quantum black hole argument tightened, more noise sources analyzed, summary section added. To appear in Physical Review D
References in corpus (2)
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