Theoretical Suggestion of Realistic Experiment on the Earth's Orbit to Test Quantum Effects in General Relativity

ORAL

Abstract

We show theoretically that quantum fluctuations result in the existence of seldom events, where the equivalence between energy and passive gravitational mass is broken for the simplest composite quantum body -- a hydrogen atom [1]. We suggest to conduct experiment on the Earth's orbit, where such seldom events can be observed by measuring electromagnetic radiation, emitted from a tank of pressurized hydrogen molecules or helium atoms placed in a small spacecraft or satellite. It could be the first experiment where quantum effects would be directly observed in general relativity. \\[4pt] [1] A.G. Lebed, Cent. Eur. J. Phys., v. 11, p. 969 (2013).

Authors

  • Andrei Lebed

    Department of Physics, University of Arizona