University of Lethbridge
Generalized uncertainty principle and quantum gravity phenomenology
Abstract
The fundamental physical description of Nature is based on two mutually incompatible theories: Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity. Their unification in a theory of Quantum Gravity (QG) remains one of the main challenges of theoretical physics. Quantum Gravity Phenomenology (QGP) studies QG effects in low-energy systems. The basis of one such phenomenological model is the Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP), which is a modified Heisenberg uncertainty relation and predicts a deformed canonical commutator. In this thesis, we compute Planck-scale corrections to angular momentum eigenvalues, the hydrogen atom spectrum, the Stern–Gerlach experiment, and the Clebsch–Gordan coefficients. We then rigorously analyze the GUP-perturbed harmonic oscillator and study new coherent and squeezed states. Furthermore, we introduce a scheme for increasing the sensitivity of optomechanical experiments for testing QG effects. Finally, we suggest future projects that may potentially test QG effects in the laboratory.
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Authors
-
- Bosso, Pasquale
- University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Subjects
dc:subject × 5Identifiers
dc:identifier.*- Identifier
- hdl:10133/4989
- OAI identifier oai:identifier
- oai:opus.uleth.ca:10133/4989