Testing Planck-Scale Gravity with Accelerators - Very interesting Article

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on a proposed method to test Planck-scale gravity using particle accelerators, as outlined in a paper by Vahagn Gharibyan. The focus is on the potential to measure unusual properties of space-time at very short distances, specifically near the Planck length, and whether this represents a viable experimental approach within the energy range of current and future accelerators.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express interest in whether this is the first proposed method to test space at the Planck level using reasonable energy for particle accelerators.
  • One participant highlights the potential for laboratory tests to measure space refractivity and birefringence induced by gravity, suggesting that existing and future lepton accelerators could reach the necessary sensitivity.
  • Another participant points to criticism of the proposed method by Bee Hossenfelder, indicating that there are differing opinions on its validity.
  • Participants share resources, including blogs that provide further commentary and critiques on the topic, indicating a broader conversation within the community.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the validity of the proposed method, as some participants reference critical viewpoints while others express interest in the potential of the approach. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the acceptance of the method and its implications.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the limitations of current experimental capabilities, noting that the smallest distance accessible in experiments is about 10-19 m, which raises questions about the feasibility of testing at the Planck scale.

Nano-Passion
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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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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?
 
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.
 
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.
 

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