Approaches to Quantum Gravity

Quantum Gravity phenomenology 439
leads to a very small estimate of ρ: ρ ∼ 10 −44 Hz −1 . However, modern interferometers
are achieving truly remarkable sensitivities, driven by their main objective
of seeing classical gravity waves, and levels of ρ as small as 10 −44 Hz −1 are within
their reach.
Another much discussed opportunity for constraining models of spacetime fuzziness
is provided by the observation of extragalactic sources, such as distant quasars.
Essentially it is argued [39; 40] that, given a wave description of the light observed
from the source, spacetime fuzziness should introduce an uncertainty in the wave’s
phase that cumulates as the wave travels, and for sufficiently long propagation
times this effect should scramble the wave front enough to prevent the observation
of interferometric fringes. Also in this case plausible estimates suggest that, in
spite of the smallness of the Planck-scale effects, thanks to the amplification provided
by the long propagation times the sensitivity needed might soon be within
our reach.
22.3.4 Decoherence
The development of test theories for decoherence is of course a challenging area
of Quantum Gravity phenomenology, since the test theories must go beyond Quantum
Mechanics. It is perhaps best if here I limit myself to directing the readers
to the available dedicated reviews, such as Ref. [41]. Let me just mention that
the neutral-kaon system, with its delicate balance of scales, besides taking center
stage in the phenomenology of Planck-scale departures from CPT symmetry
is also considered [13; 41] to be our best opportunity for laboratory studies of
Planck-scale-induced decoherence.
22.3.5 Planck-scale departures from the equivalence principle
As mentioned, the Quantum Gravity problem also provides motivation to contemplate
departures from the equivalence principle, and in some approaches (in
particular in string theory) some structures suitable for describing departures from
the equivalence principle are found. The phenomenology is very rich and in many
ways goes well beyond the specific interests of Quantum Gravity research: the
equivalence principle continues to be placed under careful scrutiny especially
because of its central role in General Relativity. Interested readers could consider
as points of entrance in the relevant literature the overall review in Ref. [42] and,
more specifically for departures from the equivalence principle within the string
theory approach, Ref. [27].