Probing the Universe's Biggest Puzzle: Uniting Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Science and Technology (Quantum Technology, Entanglement, Atomic Clocks, General Relativity, Gravitational Waves, Dark Matter).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers; Achievements of Indians in science & technology; Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Key Highlights from the News
Modern physics faces a significant scientific challenge in unifying Quantum Mechanics (the world of subatomic particles) and General Relativity (gravity and spacetime), its two greatest theories.
A new study proposes directly testing how quantum systems behave in curved spacetime using a network of entangled atomic clocks.
The aim of this experiment is to discover whether the variation in the flow of time at different altitudes due to gravity (nonlinear time dilation) influences the behavior of quantum systems.
The experiment proposes using a stronger and more robust type of quantum entanglement known as the W state.
If successful, this experiment would be the first to directly test the relationship between quantum theory and General Relativity in a laboratory setting.
This could either provide further confirmation for existing theories or open the door to new physics.
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