Can we detect the quantum nature of gravitational fields?
Science / Physics
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.
