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A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
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Equivalence principle and quantum mechanics: quantum simulation with entangled photons
Optics Letters
|January 13, 2018
Summary
This study proposes a quantum simulation to test Einstein's equivalence principle (EP) in quantum mechanics. The simulation uses entangled photons to emulate mass superposition, potentially violating the EP.
Area of Science:
- Quantum mechanics
- Gravitational physics
- Quantum optics
Background:
- Einstein's equivalence principle (EP) posits the equivalence of gravitational and inertial fields.
- The validity of the EP in non-relativistic quantum mechanics is debated.
- Bargmann's superselection rule prevents mass superposition to uphold the EP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent to which the EP holds in non-relativistic quantum mechanics.
- To propose a quantum simulation for studying particle dynamics in non-inertial frames.
- To explore potential violations of the EP through quantum phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Quantum simulation of Schrödinger particle dynamics.
- Utilizing polarization-entangled photon pairs.
- Propagation in curved and birefringent optical waveguides.
- Hong-Ou-Mandel quantum interference measurement.
Main Results:
- The proposed photonic simulator can emulate superposition of mass states.
- This emulation demonstrates a potential pathway for violating the EP.
- The simulation provides a novel approach to experimentally probe the EP in quantum systems.
Conclusions:
- Quantum simulations offer a viable method to test fundamental principles like the EP.
- The study highlights the potential conflict between quantum mechanics and the EP.
- Further research can explore the implications of mass superposition in quantum gravitational contexts.
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