Gravitational Decoherence Mapping: Using Bell Tests to Quantify Gravity's Effect on Entanglement

Yan's thought experiment combining Bell tests with Cavendish gravity measurements (Source 2, "Question the norm") suggests gravity might have quantum signatures. We'll extend this by creating controlled experiments where entangled particles (e.g., photons or atoms) are placed in varying gravitational potentials (e.g., near massive objects or at different heights). By measuring Bell violation degradation as a function of gravitational field strength, we can map how gravity causes decoherence. This is novel because it treats gravity as an environmental influence on entanglement rather than just a source of nonlocality. Unlike existing work that assumes gravity is classical or quantum, we'll let the data decide. The approach diverges from proposals like "quantum gravity-induced entanglement" by focusing on decoherence as a diagnostic. This could resolve the quantum gravity debate by showing whether gravity respects quantum superposition. The impact would be profound, potentially providing the first experimental evidence for quantum gravity.

References:

1. Bell meets Cavendish: a quantum signature of gravity?. Bin Yan (2023).