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arXiv · 1803.01778

Probing Macroscopic Quantum Superpositions with Nanorotors

Benjamin A. Stickler·Birthe Papendell·Stefan Kuhn·Björn Schrinski·James Millen·Markus Arndt·Klaus Hornberger
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Abstract

Whether quantum physics is universally valid is an open question with far-reaching implications. Intense research is therefore invested into testing the quantum superposition principle with ever heavier and more complex objects. Here we propose a radically new, experimentally viable route towards studies at the quantum-to-classical borderline by probing the orientational quantum revivals of a nanoscale rigid rotor. The proposed interference experiment testifies a macroscopic superposition of all possible orientations. It requires no diffraction grating, uses only a single levitated particle, and works with moderate motional temperatures under realistic environmental conditions. The first exploitation of quantum rotations of a massive object opens the door to new tests of quantum physics with submicron particles and to quantum gyroscopic torque sensors, holding the potential to improve state-of-the art devices by many orders of magnitude.

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Benjamin A. Stickler, Birthe Papendell, Stefan Kuhn, Björn Schrinski, James Millen, Markus Arndt, Klaus Hornberger. 2018-12-12. Probing Macroscopic Quantum Superpositions with Nanorotors. https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630%2Faaece4

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