Testing Planck-Scale Gravity with Accelerators - Very interesting Article

In summary, the conversation discusses a proposed method to test space at the Planck level using particle accelerators. The author suggests that the unusual properties of space-time predicted by quantum or torsion gravity models could be measured using laser Compton scattering at existing and future energy lepton accelerators. The conversation also mentions experimental hints for gravity signature at distances approaching the Planck length and suggests checking out blogs by Bee Hossenfelder and Peter Woit for more information.
  • #1
Nano-Passion
1,291
0
This is very interesting, is it the first proposed method (that is within reasonable energy for particle accelerators) to test space at the plank level?

http://arxiv.org/abs/1207.7297

Testing Planck-Scale Gravity with Accelerators
Vahagn Gharibyan

Abstract: Quantum or torsion gravity models predict unusual properties of space-time at very short distances. In particular, near the Planck length, around 10-35  m, empty space may behave as a crystal, singly or doubly refractive. However, this hypothesis remains uncheckable for any direct measurement, since the smallest distance accessible in experiment is about 10-19  m at the LHC. Here I propose a laboratory test to measure the space refractivity and birefringence induced by gravity. A sensitivity from 10-31  m down to the Planck length could be reached at existent GeV and future TeV energy lepton accelerators using laser Compton scattering. There are already experimental hints for gravity signature at distances approaching the Planck length by 5–7 orders of magnitude, derived from SLC and HERA data.

Here is the digested version for the laymen: http://phys.org/news/2012-10-planck-scale-gravity.html
 
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  • #3
strangerep said:
You might want to check out Bee Hossenfelder's (unusually harsh) criticism of it (and PRL) at her blog: http://backreaction.blogspot.com.au

Thanks, well at least I've stumbled unto a really nice blog. Any else you want to share?
 
  • #4
At Peter Woit's blog there's a nice little list of both mathematics and physics blogs in the right side of the page when you scroll down a little.
 
  • #5
sbrothy said:
At Peter Woit's blog there's a nice little list of both mathematics and physics blogs in the right side of the page when you scroll down a little.

Hmm, that's a lot of blogs to get my hands on. Thanks, I've bookmarked the page.
 

1. What is the purpose of testing Planck-scale gravity with accelerators?

The purpose of testing Planck-scale gravity with accelerators is to investigate and potentially confirm or refute theories that suggest a modification of gravity at the Planck scale, which is the smallest possible scale in the universe. This could lead to a better understanding of the fundamental laws of physics and potentially bridge the gap between quantum mechanics and general relativity.

2. How do scientists test for Planck-scale gravity with accelerators?

Scientists use high-energy particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider, to collide particles at extremely high energies. These collisions can potentially produce tiny black holes, which could be a sign of Planck-scale gravity. Scientists also study the behavior of particles at high energies to look for any deviations from expected behavior that could indicate a modification of gravity at the Planck scale.

3. What are the potential implications of discovering Planck-scale gravity?

If Planck-scale gravity is confirmed, it could have profound implications for our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics. It could also potentially lead to the development of new theories and technologies, such as quantum gravity and faster-than-light travel.

4. Have scientists found evidence of Planck-scale gravity with accelerators?

So far, there is no definitive evidence of Planck-scale gravity from experiments with accelerators. However, some theories and models suggest that it may be possible to observe signatures of Planck-scale gravity, and scientists continue to search for these signals through various experiments.

5. What are the challenges of testing for Planck-scale gravity with accelerators?

One of the main challenges is that the energy required to observe Planck-scale gravity is currently beyond the capabilities of even the most powerful accelerators. Additionally, interpreting the results and distinguishing them from other phenomena can be difficult and requires careful analysis and collaboration among scientists from different disciplines.

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