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Quantum reference frames for an indefinite metric
Anne-Catherine de la Hamette1,2, Viktoria Kabel1,2, Esteban Castro-Ruiz3,4
1Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology (VCQ), Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Boltzmanngasse 5, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
Communications Physics
|April 26, 2024
Summary
This study introduces quantum reference frame transformations to explore quantum gravity, enabling the analysis of objects near superposed masses. This method determines dynamics and time dilation, offering a new perspective beyond semi-classical models.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- General relativity
- Quantum gravity
Background:
- Current theories fail to describe quantum gravitational sources.
- Studying quantum mass configurations requires new theoretical frameworks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a strategy for determining object dynamics under quantum mass configurations.
- To investigate spacetime metrics with indefinite gravitational sources.
- To apply quantum reference frame transformations to quantum gravity problems.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing quantum reference frame (QRF) transformations.
- Extending the QRF framework for definite mass configurations.
- Assuming covariance of dynamical laws under quantum coordinate transformations.
Main Results:
- A method to determine dynamics in the presence of mass superpositions was developed.
- Time dilation caused by a gravitating object in superposition was calculated.
- Semi-classical and gravitational collapse models were shown to violate covariance.
Conclusions:
- The proposed QRF-based strategy provides a viable approach to quantum gravity.
- This framework allows for the study of quantum effects on spacetime and dynamics.
- The findings highlight limitations of existing semi-classical gravity models.
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