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arXiv · 1607.04353

Constraining the generalized uncertainty principle with cold atoms

Dongfeng Gao·Mingsheng Zhan
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Abstract

Various theories of quantum gravity predict the existence of a minimum length scale, which implies the Planck-scale modifications of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle to a so-called generalized uncertainty principle (GUP). Previous studies of the GUP focused on its implications for high-energy physics, cosmology, and astrophysics. Here, the application of the GUP to low-energy quantum systems, and particularly cold atoms, is studied. Results from the $^{87}$Rb atom recoil experiment are used to set upper bounds on parameters in three different GUP proposals. A $10^{14}$-level bound on the Ali-Das-Vagenas proposal is found, which is the second best bound so far. A $10^{26}$-level bound on Maggiore's proposal is obtained, which turns out to be the best available bound on it.

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Dongfeng Gao, Mingsheng Zhan. 2016-07-15. Constraining the generalized uncertainty principle with cold atoms. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.94.013607

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