One of the big issues in physics is that quantum mechanics and relativity do n’t work well together . This is mostly due to the fact that we do n’t bang how to carry gravity as a quantum force . Many scientists have declare oneself ways to harmonize the theories , but so far we have n’t found a conclusive style to do so .
Now , an interesting experiment hint a raw way to really test if gravity is a quantum force play . The international squad of research worker , lead by Professor Sougato Bose from the University College London , require to use somberness to entangle particles . We are a bit short of the tech to examine such an idea , but it has witness support in the theoretical residential area as a sound approach to address the issue , according toNew Scientist .
Entanglement is one of the “ head - scratching ” phenomena of quantum mechanics , which at first sight shows that the properties of a particle are instantly influenced by a distant one without an patent contact . A more accurate view sees the two particles ( in this lawsuit ) as being part of a single quantum system , and even when the single components are at a significant aloofness , the property of the arrangement depend on the whole and not the part .
Particles can not be entangle without a quantum military force act between them , and so Bose and collaborator suggest an experiment where gravity is used to create such an entanglement . To do this , two very small multitude ( about 0.01 ng ) would be dropped under graveness through a magnetic theatre of operations . Inside the batch , there would be a material that possessesspin , a quantum shop mechanic property not found in the “ regular - sized ” world . By using a charismatic theater , it is possible to make the mass take one of two paths , depending on if the twisting is “ up ” or “ down ” . The tailspin would also be manipulated with microwave impulse , changing the path that the particle take .
One specific path would take the spate close together ( but no less than 200 microns to avoid other influence ) , so that if gravity is indeed a quantum force , it will be capable of entangle the spin of the two particle .
The experimentation seems aboveboard enough , but it is still beyond our capabilities . We have never put in superposition an object as big as that and it is still minuscule by our human standard . And as Bose excuse in the paper , even if the web is not produced , it does n’t mean gravity is not quantum .
Regardless of whether we are straightaway capable to examine this frame-up , it is interesting to pick up new approaching to correct the quantum gravity conundrum . The paper is available on thearXiv , and will presently be published in Physical Review Letters .
[ H / T : New Scientist ]
