Quantum Control of Gravity with Levitated Mechanics

QuCoM的主要目标是演示悬浮加速度传感器的概念验证（TRL 1）及其在量子控制状态下检测小质量重力的能力。为了实现这一目标，我们将在一个具有成本效益的桌面实验参数范围内探索量子力学和重力之间的相互作用。我们将把亚毫米粒子悬浮在光学和磁阱中，并利用它们来探测前所未有的质量体系中的引力。此外，我们将研究量子叠加，其中这些质量是离域的。我们将以一种非标准的方式讨论一些最流行的结合量子物理学和引力的理论建议。提出的实验将评估其有效性极限和/或进一步约束其参数值。该联盟由两名实验学家，两名理论家和两家中小企业组成，以实现这一目标。所讨论的实验将基于该联盟合作伙伴的实验专业知识，使用光学和磁性捕获的微/纳米颗粒进行。南安普顿的悬浮力学实验已经被欧盟创新雷达发现。在QuCoM中，我们将超越并演示双质量重力传感以及我们的传感器在量子领域的操作。状态准备、控制和分析方案以理论伙伴的专业知识为基础。QuCoM的高科技中小企业合作伙伴将帮助优化实验设备，以实现目标目标，这将反过来使他们能够将其改进的产品在低mK，低振动低温设备中推向市场。SME LSI将与莱顿大学（University of Leiden）一起探索将我们的技术应用于基于空间计量和利用重力探测进行地球探测的微型卫星平台的可行性。这是我们直接的技术影响和创新案例。

The main objective of QuCoM is to demonstrate the proof of concept (TRL 1) of a levitated acceleration sensor and its ability detecting gravity of small masses and in the quantum controlled regime. Toward this objective we will explore the interplay between quantum mechanics and gravity in a parameter range accessible for cost-effective table-top experiments. We will suspend sub millimetre particles in optical and magnetic traps and use those to detect gravitational forces in an unprecedented mass regime. Also, we will investigate quantum superpositions in which these masses are delocalized. We will address some of the most popular theoretical proposals combining quantum physics and gravity in a nonstandard fashion. The proposed experiments will assess their limits of validity and/or further constrain the values of their parameters. The consortium consists of two experimentalists, two theorists, and two SMEs to address the objective. The experiments in question will be performed with optically and magnetically trapped micro/nano-particles based on the experimental expertise of partners in the consortium. Levitated mechanics experiments at Southampton have been already picked up by the EU Innovation radar. In QuCoM we will, go beyond and demonstrate the two-mass gravity sensing as well as the operation of our sensors in the quantum domain. The state preparation, control and analysis schemes are based on the expertise of the theory partners. QuCoM partner high-tech SMEs will help to optimize the experimental apparatus for fulfilment of the targeted objectives, which will in turn put them in a position to offer their improved products in sub mK, low vibration cryogenic equipment to market. The SME LSI will explore, together with University of Leiden, the feasibility of implementing our technology into a micro-satellite platform for space based metrology and Earth Exploration utilizing gravitational detection. This is our direct technology impact and innovation case.