Gravitational self-localization for spherical masses

被引:6
作者
Jaaskelainen, Markku [1 ]
机构
[1] Dalarna Univ, SE-79188 Falun, Sweden
关键词
QUANTUM; MECHANICS; ATOMS;
D O I
10.1103/PhysRevA.86.052105
中图分类号
O43 [光学];
学科分类号
070207 ; 0803 ;
摘要
In this work, I consider the center-of-mass wave function for a homogenous sphere under the influence of the self-interaction due to Newtonian gravity. I solve for the ground state numerically and calculate the average radius as a measure of its size. For small masses, M less than or similar to 10(-17) kg, the radial size is independent of density, and the ground state extends beyond the extent of the sphere. For masses larger than this, the ground state is contained within the sphere and to a good approximation given by the solution for an effective radial harmonic-oscillator potential. This work thus determines the limits of applicability of the point-mass Newton Schrodinger equations for spherical masses. In addition, I calculate the fringe visibility for matter-wave interferometry and find that in the low-mass case, interferometry can in principle be performed, whereas for the latter case, it becomes impossible. Based on this, I discuss this transition as a possible boundary for the quantum-classical crossover, independent of the usually evoked environmental decoherence. The two regimes meet at sphere sizes R approximate to 10(-7) m, and the density of the material causes only minor variations in this value.
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页数:5
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