For over a century, physicists have used two separate frameworks—quantum mechanics and Einstein’s general theory of relativity—to explain different aspects of nature. While each is accurate in its domain, they can’t be combined into a single equation. Recently, researchers proposed a plan involving a trio of ultrafine atomic clocks placed on mountains to test the interaction between quantum theory and gravity. Published by Igor Pikovsky and colleagues, their paper outlines how these clocks, utilizing quantum superposition, could reveal whether the two theories coexist.
This experiment aims to measure small time shifts caused by gravity using quantum clocks, which can maintain precision over billions of years. The setup uses the different altitudes of the atomic clocks to amplify these shifts, relying on entanglement to ensure they function as a coherent unit. By teleporting timing information, the team plans to analyze how varying local flows of time could demonstrate the principles of both quantum mechanics and general relativity.
Successful tests may also provide insights into new physics and help pave the way for a secure quantum internet, leveraging the same technology for both fundamental research and practical applications. If the experiment confirms theoretical predictions, it would bring us closer to understanding the connection between quantum mechanics and gravity, potentially influencing future research extending to space-based missions.
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