Quantum Simulation Models Gravity-Induced Decoherence in Superposition Collapse Times

The fundamental nature of quantum reality remains a subject of intense debate, and researchers continually seek ways to test the boundaries of quantum mechanics. Viswak R Balaji and Samuel Punch, from the School of Computing and Information at University College Cork, along with their colleagues, investigate a compelling prediction of Penrose’s objective reduction theory, which proposes that gravity plays a role in the collapse of quantum superpositions. They present a detailed quantum computing simulation exploring how mass might influence the rate at which these superpositions decay, effectively creating a unique ‘fingerprint’ for gravity-induced collapse. By modelling this mass-dependent decoherence and applying it to standard quantum computing experiments, the team generates baseline signatures that could, in future, be compared with results from real quantum hardware, offering a potential pathway to test the long-standing connection between quantum mechanics and gravity. This work provides a reproducible method and crucial reference point for utilising quantum computers as tools to explore some of the most profound questions in physics.

Simulating Gravitational Decoherence in Quantum Systems

This research explores the potential link between gravity and quantum decoherence, investigating whether gravity plays a role in the collapse of the quantum wave function, a theory proposed by Roger Penrose. The authors perform simulations to model how such gravitationally induced decoherence might manifest in quantum systems and propose experimental signatures observable in future quantum processors. The research is rooted in the idea that gravity causes quantum superpositions to collapse faster for more massive objects, a concept translated into a model where the rate of decoherence is proportional to the mass of the quantum system. The researchers used a quantum computer simulator to model creating and measuring entangled states, testing entanglement with varying “mass”, and implementing Grover’s search algorithm. Simulations consistently showed that a mass-dependent decoherence model predicts rapid loss of coherence and visibility as the number of qubits or branch mass increases, degrading performance in algorithms like Grover’s. Importantly, the simulations produce unique scaling patterns differentiating this type of decoherence from standard noise, potentially serving as experimental signatures to detect or constrain Penrose’s model in future quantum processors.

Gravity’s Role in Wavefunction Collapse Simulated

Researchers have developed a new method for simulating and identifying potential signatures of gravity-induced wavefunction collapse using quantum computers. This work explores an alternative to standard quantum decoherence, proposing that the collapse of quantum superpositions isn’t solely caused by environmental interactions, but also by the gravitational effects of mass differences within the superposition itself. The team implemented a model within a quantum computer simulator that introduces a noise factor dependent on the effective “mass” of a quantum state, representing the size of the superposition. To test this, the researchers applied the model to creating and measuring entangled states, testing entanglement with varying “mass”, and implementing Grover’s search algorithm. The simulations revealed distinctive patterns in the rate of decoherence, differing significantly from those predicted by conventional, constant-rate noise models, generating a baseline reference for comparison with future experiments on actual quantum hardware. Observing similar scaling trends, where larger superpositions collapse faster, could provide evidence supporting the role of gravity in wavefunction collapse, while alignment with constant-rate noise would suggest environmental factors are solely responsible.

Mass Impacts Quantum Coherence and Algorithms

This research presents a series of quantum computing simulations designed to model decoherence influenced by mass, drawing inspiration from the hypothesis that gravity plays a role in the collapse of quantum states. The team implemented a model within a quantum simulator to investigate how the mass of a quantum superposition affects its stability, applying this to parity measurements, entanglement tests, and Grover’s search algorithm. Results demonstrate that the mass-dependent model produces unique patterns of coherence loss, specifically a rapid suppression of coherence as qubit number or branch mass increases, and a corresponding degradation in algorithmic performance. These findings establish a baseline for future experimental tests, offering a potential method for probing the connection between gravity and quantum state reduction. Further research, including incorporating more complex noise models, is needed to refine predictions and enhance the ability to distinguish gravitationally induced effects from conventional decoherence.