Optomechanical Schrödinger Cats - a Case for Space

Abstract

Quantum optomechanics exploits radiation pressure effects inside optical cavities. It can be used to generate quantum states of the center-of-mass motion of massive mechanical objects, thereby opening up a new parameter regime for macroscopic quantum experiments. The challenging experimental conditions to maintain and observe quantum coherence for increasingly large objects may require a space environment rather than an earth-bound laboratory. We introduce a possible space experiment to study the wave-packet expansion of massive objects. This forms the basis for Schrödinger cat states of unprecedented size and mass.

Reprint of a publication in early 2013 in "Erwin Schrödinger - 50 Years After" edited by W. L. Reiter abd J. Yngvason - the bibliography reflects the date of the submission but we updated reference [10]