Probing macroscopic realism via Ramsey correlation measurements

Area of Science:

• Quantum mechanics
• Macroscopic quantum phenomena
• Quantum information science

Background:

• Fundamental tests of quantum mechanics are crucial for understanding reality.
• Exploring quantum phenomena in massive objects challenges current theories.
• Existing methods often lack the precision or feasibility for macroscopic scales.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a new, experimentally feasible protocol for testing quantum mechanics with massive objects.
• To enable the measurement of modular variables in macroscopic continuous-variable systems.
• To provide a method for distinguishing quantum mechanics from alternative theories at a macroscopic scale.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a single two-level system (qubit) to probe nanomechanical resonator motion.
• Employing multiple Ramsey interference measurements for precise probing.
• Analyzing correlations of modular variables to test theoretical predictions.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated violation of a Leggett-Garg inequality using the proposed method.
• Showcased the applicability of the scheme for tests of quantum contextuality.
• Established a clear experimental signature for macroscopic quantum tests.

Conclusions:

• The protocol is experimentally feasible and adaptable to various qubit-resonator systems.
• This work offers a pathway to probe quantum mechanics at the macroscopic level.
• The findings provide a critical tool for differentiating quantum mechanics from alternative theories.