Exploring Dark Energy and Quantum Gravity with Atom Interferometry

In summary, the authors propose a self-consistent field equation including the quantum effect of gravity based on the assumption that gravity originates from the coupling and thermal equilibrium between matter and vacuum. They also give a simple interpretation of the accelerating universe due to dark energy. This equation calculates the ratio between dark energy density and matter density to be 2.36, which agrees with the result obtained from various astronomical observations. The authors also suggest that this equation can be applied to a sphere filled with superfluid helium and tested using an atom interferometer with an accuracy of \Delta g/g below 10^(-8), satisfying current experimental techniques.
  • #1
wolram
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
4,446
558
arXiv:1101.4890 (cross-list from gr-qc) [pdf, ps, other]
Title: On the quantitative interpretation of dark energy by quantum effect of gravity and experimental scheme with atom interferometer II: the inclusion of general relativity
Authors: Hongwei Xiong
Comments: 18 pages, 3 figures
Subjects: General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology (gr-qc); Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics (astro-ph.CO); Quantum Gases (cond-mat.quant-gas); High Energy Physics - Theory (hep-th); Quantum Physics (quant-ph)

Quote

From the general assumption that gravity originates from the coupling and thermal equilibrium between matter and vacuum, we propose a self-consistent field equation including the quantum effect of gravity. As an application of this field equation, we give a natural and simple interpretation of the accelerating universe due to dark energy. Based on the idea that the dark energy originates from the quantum gravity effect of vacuum excitations due to the coupling between matter and vacuum, without any fitting parameter, the ratio between dark energy density and matter density (including dark matter) is calculated as 2.36, which agrees quantitatively with the result 7/3 obtained from various astronomical observations. Applying the field equation to a sphere full of superfluid helium, it is shown that with an atom interferometer placed in this sphere, the accuracy \Delta g/g below 10^(-8) could be used to test the quantum gravity effect, which satisfies the present experimental technique of atom interferometer.

End quote.

I just found and thought it may be of interest to some.
 
Space news on Phys.org
  • #2
wolram said:
arXiv:1101.4890 (cross-list from gr-qc) [pdf, ps, other]
Title: On the quantitative interpretation of dark energy by quantum effect of gravity and experimental scheme with atom interferometer II: the inclusion of general relativity
Authors: Hongwei Xiong
Comments: 18 pages, 3 figures
Subjects: General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology (gr-qc); Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics (astro-ph.CO); Quantum Gases (cond-mat.quant-gas); High Energy Physics - Theory (hep-th); Quantum Physics (quant-ph)

Quote

From the general assumption that gravity originates from the coupling and thermal equilibrium between matter and vacuum, we propose a self-consistent field equation including the quantum effect of gravity. As an application of this field equation, we give a natural and simple interpretation of the accelerating universe due to dark energy. Based on the idea that the dark energy originates from the quantum gravity effect of vacuum excitations due to the coupling between matter and vacuum, without any fitting parameter, the ratio between dark energy density and matter density (including dark matter) is calculated as 2.36, which agrees quantitatively with the result 7/3 obtained from various astronomical observations. Applying the field equation to a sphere full of superfluid helium, it is shown that with an atom interferometer placed in this sphere, the accuracy \Delta g/g below 10^(-8) could be used to test the quantum gravity effect, which satisfies the present experimental technique of atom interferometer.

End quote.

I just found and thought it may be of interest to some.

Hmmm... at a glance it's interesting, but I need to do more than glance. Agreeing with observation is a good place to start however!
 

1. What are quantum effects of gravity?

Quantum effects of gravity refer to the study of how gravity behaves at very small scales, where the laws of quantum mechanics become relevant. These effects are currently not fully understood and are an area of ongoing research in theoretical physics.

2. How do quantum effects of gravity differ from classical gravity?

Classical gravity, as described by Newton's law of gravitation and Einstein's theory of general relativity, explains how gravity behaves at large scales. Quantum effects of gravity, on the other hand, take into account the principles of quantum mechanics and attempt to explain how gravity behaves at the smallest scales, such as at the level of individual particles.

3. What is quantum gravity?

Quantum gravity is a theoretical framework that attempts to reconcile the principles of quantum mechanics with the theory of general relativity. It aims to explain the behavior of gravity at the smallest scales, while also taking into account the properties of matter and energy at these scales.

4. What are some current theories about quantum effects of gravity?

Some current theories about quantum effects of gravity include string theory, loop quantum gravity, and causal dynamical triangulation. These theories attempt to explain how gravity behaves at the quantum level and how it can be unified with other fundamental forces, such as electromagnetism and the strong and weak nuclear forces.

5. What are the potential implications of understanding quantum effects of gravity?

The potential implications of understanding quantum effects of gravity are vast. It could lead to a more complete understanding of the fundamental laws of the universe and potentially unlock new technologies. It could also have implications for our understanding of black holes, the early universe, and the nature of time and space.

Similar threads

I Dark Energy as repulsive gravity
    • Cosmology
Replies
6
Views
1K
B How do the candidates for Dark Energy 'work'?
    • Cosmology
Replies
4
Views
1K
B Is Dark matter fact or fantasy
    • Cosmology
Replies
13
Views
3K
I Postulating a minimum gravitational field strength
    • Cosmology
Replies
11
Views
1K
I Are there issues with Conformal Gravity as a DM solution?
    • Cosmology
Replies
5
Views
2K
A Dark energy = cosmological constant, any problems with that?
    • Cosmology
5
Replies
153
Views
10K
I Is loop quantum gravity dual to CFT?
    • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
13
Views
2K
I Can gravitational waves gain energy in an expanding FRW spacetime?
    • Cosmology
Replies
3
Views
1K
I Gravitational Field with Dark Energy: Observable Effects?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
761
A What is gravity in the superfluid vacuum model of quantum gravity?
    • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
4
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top