Quantum Simulator Reveals Insights into Curved Spacetime and Gravity

Scientists at TU Wien and other institutions have developed a “quantum simulator” using ultracold atomic clouds to model quantum particles in curved spacetime, marking a major step toward reconciling quantum theory and the theory of relativity. The model system offers a tool to study gravitational lensing effects in a quantum field, which may lead to new insights in the elusive field of quantum gravity and other areas of physics. The quantum simulator becomes a new, additional source of information for quantum research – in addition to theoretical calculations, computer simulations, and direct experiments.