QUROPE Quantum Information Processing and Communication in Europe

Location

The 20th century has produced two great theories in physics: the theory of relativity and quantum physics. Apparently, the two theories use a completely different set of conceptual tools. The spacetime manifold, the metric, the curvature, which are central to general relativity, play a rather marginal role in standard quantum physics, while the entire structure of Hilbert spaces, superpositions, entanglement, quantum-mechanical probabilities is almost directly at odds with the classical character of the theory of gravitation. Little overlap exists also in the domain where these theories have been tested: general relativity is used for astronomical distances, while quantum mechanics for the atomic scale and below. Can we bring these two theories in the same 'arena' and see them confront each other? In this project the aim is to make the first steps towards creating an experimental platform, based on superconducting circuits, where the predictions of quantum physics and general relativity can be tested against each other. The 'referee' of this confrontation is the concept of information - which has been recognized in recent times as playing an important role in both theories.