Gravitationally induced quantum superposition reduction with large extra dimensions

A gravity-driven mechanism (“objective reduction”) proposed to explain quantum state reduction is analyzed in light of the possible existence of large extra dimensions in the Arkani-Hamed, Dvali, Dimopoulos scenario. By calculating order-of-magnitude estimates for nucleon superpositions, it is shown that if the mechanism at question is correct, constraints may be placed on the number and size of extra dimensions. Hence, measurement of superposition collapse times (e.g. through diffraction or reflection experiments) could represent a new probe of extra dimensions. The influence of a time-dependent gravitational constant on the gravity-driven collapse scheme with and without the presence of extra dimensions also is discussed.

Figure 1

Relative variation of compactification radius $R_n(t)/R_n(t_p)$ from $t=1000\mathrm{yr}$ after the big bang to the present epoch ($t_p={10}^{10}\mathrm{yr}$), assuming a power law dependence on the gravitational constant, $G_4(t)\sim t^{\beta }$, $\beta =-0.1$.