Non-reciprocity in photon polarization based on direction of polarizer under gravitational fields

Unification of gravity with quantum mechanics is still a terra incognita. Photon polarization measurements offer a unique window for probing the interaction between these two fundamental forces. We have revealed that non-reciprocity in the photon polarization angle can arise by tailoring the quantization axis, which corresponds to the direction of polarizer. Due to this non-reciprocity, the measured polarization angle can become ten times larger than that of gravitationally induced frame rotation in both near-Earth and black hole environments. To verify this finding, we propose an astronomical interferometer composed of satellites with the tailored quantization axis, challenging the conventional view of their triviality in closed paths of a photon. Notably, this non-reciprocity can extend to any rotation in the polarization plane, irrespective of the origins, all of which can dictate polarization rotation. Our findings could offer new opportunities for testing fundamental principles in physics.

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Publication Details

Journal
Scientific Reports
Published
2024-09-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-71203-x
Primary Topic
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Non-reciprocity in photon polarization based on direction of polarizer under gravitational fields

Warner A. Miller, Hansol Noh, Doyeol Ahn, Paul M. Alsing
Scientific Reports
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
article

Non-reciprocity in photon polarization based on direction of polarizer under gravitational fields

Warner A. Miller, Hansol Noh, Doyeol Ahn, Paul M. Alsing
article en

Abstract

Unification of gravity with quantum mechanics is still a terra incognita. Photon polarization measurements offer a unique window for probing the interaction between these two fundamental forces. We have revealed that non-reciprocity in the photon polarization angle can arise by tailoring the quantization axis, which corresponds to the direction of polarizer. Due to this non-reciprocity, the measured polarization angle can become ten times larger than that of gravitationally induced frame rotation in both near-Earth and black hole environments. To verify this finding, we propose an astronomical interferometer composed of satellites with the tailored quantization axis, challenging the conventional view of their triviality in closed paths of a photon. Notably, this non-reciprocity can extend to any rotation in the polarization plane, irrespective of the origins, all of which can dictate polarization rotation. Our findings could offer new opportunities for testing fundamental principles in physics.

Scientific ReportsVol. 14(1)
University of Seoul (KR), Seoul National University (KR), Seoul National University of Education (KR), New Generation University College (ET), Florida Atlantic University (US)
National Research Foundation, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea, Institute for Information and Communications Technology Promotion, National Institute on Aging, Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Openalex Percentile: Top 87%
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
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