A team of physicists at Stockholm University has proposed a groundbreaking method for detecting single gravitons, theoretical particles believed to be the building blocks of gravity. Gravitons are notoriously elusive and have long been considered impossible to detect due to their weak interaction with matter.
The researchers suggest that when a graviton interacts with an object, it will cause a distinct and measurable shift in its energy levels, known as a “quantum jump.” They propose using macroscopic quantum objects, which are large enough to be seen with the naked eye but display quantum behavior. These objects would be cooled to their lowest energy state and then exposed to gravitational waves.
The team’s method leverages recent progress in quantum sensing and builds upon existing technologies such as acoustic resonators and Weber bars. They believe that by meticulously monitoring these quantum jumps, they can pinpoint the absorption of a single graviton.
To increase their chances of detection, the researchers suggest using data from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), which is renowned for its groundbreaking detection of gravitational waves. However, detecting a single graviton requires extremely energetic gravitational waves, making it a challenging task.
The successful detection of a graviton would mark a significant step towards a unified “theory of everything,” bridging the gap between gravity and quantum mechanics. While the technology to detect these particles remains a formidable challenge, the researchers are optimistic about their proposal and are now focused on designing a concrete experiment using data from gravitational waves detected on Earth.
Source: https://interestingengineering.com/science/gravity-particle-detection-within-reach