Einstein’s theory of gravity admits an adequate quantum description at low energies, with predictions beyond general relativity, a classical approach. As we move into the era of gravitational wave astronomy, an important question is whether we can detect non-classical effects associated with dynamic gravitational fields arising from adequate quantum description. Such effects would be analogous to quantum phenomena in optics that classical electrodynamics cannot describe. We will develop a research program to search for such effects experimentally, starting from proof-of-principle experiments in optomechanics and quantum optics to proposals for future modifications of gravitational wave detectors.

Astronomical observations have revealed that our most comprehensive theory of nature, the standard model of particle physics, is not all-encompassing. The existence of dark matter, which is necessary to explain large-scale structures in the universe, suggests the potential presence of new physical phenomena that can be virtually measured in small-scale experiments.

This paper outlines an experiment conducted at PUC-Rio to explore potential new interactions associated with dark matter, perhaps observable at micrometric scales. The experiment uses a force and displacement sensor that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics. The advancement of this technology not only facilitates the search for new physical phenomena but also inaugurates a novel field of research in Brazil—quantum opto-mechanics. This field holds diverse applications in metrology, quantum information, and materials science.