1. Testing the foundation of quantum physics in space via Interferometric and non-interferometric experiments with mesoscopic nanoparticles
- Author
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Hendrik Ulbricht, Mauro Paternostro, Alessio Belenchia, Sandro Donadi, Matteo Carlesso, Angelo Bassi, Giulio Gasbarri, Rainer Kaltenbaek, Gasbarri, Giulio, Belenchia, Alessio, Carlesso, Matteo, Donadi, Sandro, Bassi, Angelo, Kaltenbaek, Rainer, Paternostro, Mauro, and Ulbricht, Hendrik
- Subjects
quantum foundation ,Space technology ,Field (physics) ,Computer science ,QC1-999 ,space experiment ,General Physics and Astronomy ,quantum foundations ,interferometry ,space experiments ,Astrophysics ,Space (mathematics) ,01 natural sciences ,010305 fluids & plasmas ,Superposition principle ,Quantum mechanics ,0103 physical sciences ,639/766/483/1139 ,Astrophysics::Solar and Stellar Astrophysics ,010306 general physics ,Mesoscopic physics ,Physics ,Astrophysics::Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics ,639/766/483/3924 ,QB460-466 ,Quantum technology ,Perspective ,Space Science ,Space environment - Abstract
Quantum technologies are opening novel avenues for applied and fundamental science at an impressive pace. In this perspective article, we focus on the promises coming from the combination of quantum technologies and space science to test the very foundations of quantum physics and, possibly, new physics. In particular, we survey the field of mesoscopic superpositions of nanoparticles and the potential of interferometric and non-interferometric experiments in space for the investigation of the superposition principle of quantum mechanics and the quantum-to-classical transition. We delve into the possibilities offered by the state-of-the-art of nanoparticle physics projected in the space environment and discuss the numerous challenges, and the corresponding potential advancements, that the space environment presents. In doing this, we also offer an ab-initio estimate of the potential of space-based interferometry with some of the largest systems ever considered and show that there is room for tests of quantum mechanics at an unprecedented level of detail. This perspective presents current and future possibilities offered by space technology for testing quantum mechanics, with a focus on mesoscopic superposition of nanoparticles and the potential of interferometric and non-interferometric experiments in space.
- Published
- 2021