Role of rotations in Stern-Gerlach interferometry with massive objects

Understand

Realizing a spatial superposition with massive objects is one of the most fundamental challenges, as it will test quantum theory in new regimes, probe quantum-gravity, and enable to test exotic theories like gravitationally induced collapse.

• A natural extension of the successful implementation of an atomic Stern-Gerlach interferometer (SGI), is a SGI with a nano-diamond (ND) in which a single spin is embedded in the form of a nitrogen-vacancy center (NV).
• As the ND rotation, and with it the rotation of the NV spin direction, may inhibit such a realization, both in terms of Newtonian trajectories and quantum phases, we analyze here the role of rotations in the SGI.
• We take into account fundamental limits, such as those imposed by the quantum angular uncertainty relation and thermal fluctuations.