Proposing new experiments to test the quantum-to-classical transition

Abstract

An open problem in modern physics is why microscopic quantum objects can be at two places at once (i.e. a superposed quantum state) while macroscpoic classical object never show such a behaviour. Collapse models provides a quantitative answer for this problem and explain how macroscopic classical world emerges out of microscopic quantum world. A universal noise field is postulated in collapse models, inducing appropriate Brownian- motion corrections to standard quantum dynamics. The strength of collapse-driven Brownian fluctuations depend on: (i) the parameters characterizing the system (e.g., mass, size, density), and (ii) two phenomenological parameters defining the statistical properties of the collapse noise. The collapse-driven Brownian motion works such that microscopic systems behave quantum mechanically, while macroscopic objects are classical. At the intermediate mesocopic scale, collapse models predict deviations from standard quantum predictions. This issue has been subject of experimental tests. All experiments to date have been at the scales where collapse effects are negligible for all practical purposes. However, recent experimental progress in revealing quantum features of larger objects, increases the hope for testing at unprecedented scales where collapse models can be falsified. Current experiments are mainly focused on the preparation of macroscopic systems in a spatial quantum superposition state. The collapse effects would then manifest as loss of visibility in the observed inference pattern. However, one needs a quantum interference with single particles of mass ∼ 1010amu for a decisive test of collapse models. Creating such massive superpositionsis quite challenging, and beyond currectstate-of-the-art. Quite recently, an alternative approach has been proposed where the collapse manifests in the fluctuating properties of light interacting with the quantum system. The great advantage of this new approach is that here there is no need for the preparation of a quantum superposed state. It has been discussed that promising results can be revealed in the spectrum of light interacting with a radiation pressure-driven mechanical oscillator in a cavity optomechanics setting. Here, we review the theoretical modelling of the above optomechenical proposal. We discuss how collapse-driven Brownian motion modifies the spectrum. We quantify the collapse effect and explain how it depends on the parameters of the mechanical oscillator (e.g., mass, density, geometry).