The Deep Space Quantum Link (DSQL) is a space-mission concept that aims to explore the interplay between general relativity and quantum mechanics using quantum optical interferometry. This mission concept was formally presented to the United States National Academy of Science Decadal Survey as a research campaign for Fundamental Physics in 2022. Since then, advances have been made in the space-based quantum optical technologies required to conduct a DSQL-type mission. In addition, other research efforts have defined alternative measurement concepts to explore the same scientific questions motivating the DSQL mission. This paper serves as an update to the community on the status of the DSQL mission concept and related research and technology development efforts.
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Goals and feasibility of the deep space quantum link
In this article, we review the proposed experiments for the Deep Space Quantum Link (DSQL) mission concept aiming to probe gravitational effects on quantum optical systems. Quantum theory and general relativity are the two most successful frameworks we have to describe the universe. These theories have been validated through experimental confirmations in their domains of application— the macroscopic domain for relativity, and the microscopic domain for quantum theory. To date, laboratory experiments conducted in a regime where both theories manifest measurable effects on photons are limited. Satellite platforms enable the transmission of quantum states of light between different inertial frames and over distances impossible to emulate in the laboratory. The DSQL concept proposes simultaneous tests of quantum mechanics and general relativity enabled by quantum optical links to one or more spacecrafts.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1945578
- PAR ID:
- 10332086
- Author(s) / Creator(s):
- ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; more »
- Editor(s):
- Deacon, Keith S.; Meyers, Ronald E.
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Proceedings of the SPIE
- Volume:
- 11835
- Issue:
- 118350J
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 8
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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