Repulsive gravitational effect of a quantum wave packet and experimental scheme with superfluid helium

Abstract

We consider the gravitational effect of quantum wave packets when quantum mechanics, gravity, and thermodynamics are simultaneously considered. Under the assumption of a thermodynamic origin of gravity, we propose a general equation to describe the gravitational effect of quantum wave packets. In the classical limit, this equation agrees with Newton's law of gravitation. For quantum wave packets, however, it predicts a repulsive gravitational effect. We propose an experimental scheme using superfluid helium to test this repulsive gravitational effect. Our studies show that, with present technology such as superconducting gravimetry and cold atom interferometry, tests of the repulsive gravitational effect for superfluid helium are within experimental reach.

On the Thermodynamic Origin of Gravitational Force by Applying Spacetime Entanglement Entropy and the Unruh Effect

“…In summary, we consider the thermodynamic origin of Newton’s gravitational force by considering simultaneously the spacetime entanglement entropy, the holographic principle, thermodynamics, and the Unruh effect for an accelerating particle. Different from previous works on the thermodynamic origin of gravitational force [ 2 , 51 , 52 , 53 ], in this work, we emphasize the quantum entanglement of spacetime. In the present paper, we do not use the assumption of the displacement entropy in [ 2 , 52 ], which implies a more solid basis for the thermodynamic origin of Newton’s gravitational force.…”

On the Quantum Thermodynamic Origin of Gravitational Force by Applying Spacetime Entanglement Entropy and Unruh Effect

“…In summary, we consider the quantum thermodynamic origin of Newton's gravitational force by considering simultaneously the spacetime entanglement entropy, holographic principle, thermodynamics and the Unruh effect for an accelerating particle. Different from previous works on the thermodynamic origin of gravitational force [2,[32][33][34], in this work we emphasis on the quantum entanglement of spacetime. In the present paper, we do not use the assumption of the displacement entropy ∆S ∼ d in Refs.…”

“…In the present paper, we do not use the assumption of the displacement entropy ∆S ∼ d in Refs. [2,33], which implies a more solid basis for the quantum thermodynamic origin of Newton's gravitational force.…”

On the Entanglement Entropy of Spacetime and Matter Based on the Action in General Relativity

“…This entropy for displacement is used in Ref. [18] to understand the direction of gravitational force. At first sight, we may think that this is nonsense because there is no friction for this particle due to spacetime.…”

“…In Ref. [18], based on the consideration of the loss of the information of the path, it is suggested that…”