Testing the gravitational field generated by a quantum superposition

Understand

What gravitational field is generated by a massive quantum system in a spatial superposition? Despite decades of intensive theoretical and experimental research, we still do not know the answer.

• On the experimental side, the difficulty lies in the fact that gravity is weak and requires large masses to be detectable.
• However, it becomes increasingly difficult to generate spatial quantum superpositions for increasingly large masses, in light of the stronger environmental effects on such systems.
• Clearly, a delicate balance between the need for strong gravitational effects and weak decoherence should be found.