2011/10/20 by Oriol Romero-Isart · 3 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #quant-ph #cond-mat.mes-hall
paper · pdf · doi:10.1103/physreva.84.052121
published as Phys. Rev. A 84, 052121 (2011) · 19 pages, 17 figures
arxiv created 2011/10/20 · arxiv updated 2011/11/29
We analyze the requirements to test some of the most paradigmatic collapse models with a protocol that prepares quantum superpositions of massive objects. This consists of coherently expanding the wave function of a ground-state-cooled mechanical resonator, performing a squared position measurement that acts as a double slit, and observing interference after further evolution. The analysis is performed in a general framework and takes into account only unavoidable sources of decoherence: blackbody radiation and scattering of environmental particles. We also discuss the limitations imposed by the experimental implementation of this protocol using cavity quantum optomechanics with levitating dielectric nanospheres.