QOFES

Quantum Optomechanics for Fundamental Experiments in Space

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Quantum theory has been confirmed to extreme accuracy in a vast variety of experiments over the last century. While most of these experiments have been limited to a microscopic scale, several milestones in demonstrating quantum effects for more and more massive objects have been achieved, in particular by experiments on the interference of large molecules. In the last few years, a new approach to test quantum physics with significantly more massive objects has emerged where the electromagnetic field is used to achieve control over massive mechanical resonators, eventually into the quantum regime. In particular, quantum optomechanics deals with resonators that are coherently controlled via optical fields. Such systems allow for unprecedented levels of accuracy in the measurement of forces. Eventually, by preparing these massive resonators in non-classical states of motion, they may enable the investigation of quantum effects in a regime where gravitation becomes non-negligible. A limiting factor so far has been the coupling of the resonator to its environment. Using nanospheres levitated in optical trapping potentials, promises to overcome that limitation and will allow for high-precision measurements of gravitation as well as novel experiments on the frontier between quantum theory and the theory of relativity. Space provides an ideal environment for such experiments. Using a spacecraft like the one used in the LISA Pathfinder mission, it is possible to combine a micro-gravity environment, which allows for a much higher mass of the levitated spheres and reduces many sources of noise (e. g. seismic), with readily available optical space technology. This research proposal aims at designing possible experiments with levitated optomechanical resonators in space, testing the feasibility of these schemes in ground-based experiments, and investigating the prerequisites of fundamental optomechanical experiments in space.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

An exciting new EU-funded project focused on the conflict between quantum mechanics and Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. Scientists are now ready to launch their protocol into space, hoping to witness the macro-scale transition from classical to quantum.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The project 'Quantum optomechanics for fundamental experiments in space' (QOFES) investigated the regime between the classical and the quantum world by exploiting the microgravity environment of space.

Newton's famous Laws of Motion, the foundations of classical mechanics, are completely deterministic and based on studies of macroscopic objects. Knowing the position and velocity of a particle at any given time, one can calculate all past and future positions.

A couple hundred years later, Schrodinger's wave equation for matter accounted for observations relating to the dual particle-wave nature of light and matter. It describes a particle's trajectory as a probability density and forms the basis of quantum mechanics.

Quantum mechanics and Einstein's General Theory of Relativity conflict when it comes to the former's concept of superposition. Quantum mechanics says an object can be in two states at once but relativity says an object is forced to adopt one state or another. Quantum theory has been well-tested and confirmed with great accuracy on the smallest scale with photons where gravity is non-negligible. It must be shown with more massive objects to be generally true.

QOFES set out to make it happen. Scientists developed a protocol, the MAQRO proposal, to test quantum superposition in space. It exploits nanospheres levitated in optical trapping potentials and the microgravity environment of space. The experiment enables testing of objects on a more massive scale. It also eliminates the confinement of mechanical support of the object and facilitates an environment where gravity is non-negligible.

The proposal itself, together with theoretical investigations of feasibility, definition of technical requirements and results of first proof-of-principle experiments have led to six publications so far and widespread public interest. Most recently, an international MAQRO consortium was formed to prepare the official MAQRO proposal for funding from the European Space Agency's (ESA) Cosmic Vision programme.

QOFES has paved the way for what may be some of the most important experiments in physics. Work has also solidified the leading role of Europe in space experiments that will reveal the fundamental physical nature of the Universe.