Detecting Gravitons

by Prof. Igor Pikovski (Stevens Institute of Technology & Stockholm University)

Thursday 12 Dec 2024, 16:15 → 17:30 Europe/Berlin

D 114 (ENC)

We show how single gravitons can be detected [1]. The quantization of gravity is widely believed to result in gravitons, but their detection has so far been considered impossible. Here we analyze single emission and absorption processes in macroscopic quantum resonators and show that individual stimulated processes of the exchange of quanta between matter and gravitational waves can be resolved. We analyze optimal parameters and compare the results to previously achieved capabilities. Our results show that single graviton signatures are within reach of near-future experiments with macroscopic quantum resonators and quantum sensing. We will also discuss the implications and limitations of such detections regarding their ability to probe quantum gravity [2]. Our results show that single graviton detection is attainable and that it opens the first window into the experimental exploration of the exchange of quanta as predicted by linearized quantum gravity.

[1] G. Tobar, S. Manikandan, T. Beitel and I. Pikovski. “Detecting single gravitons with quantum sensing”. Nature Communications 15, 7229 (2024)
[2] V. Shenderov, M. Suppiah, T. Beitel, G. Tobar, S. Manikandan and I. Pikovski. “Stimulated absorption of single gravitons: First light on quantum gravity”. Preprint: arXiv:2407.11929

Einladender: Stefan Nimmrichter