Quantum Effects in Gravity Waves

Abstract

We discuss the quantum mechanical description of a gravitational wave interacting with a cavity electromagnetic field. Quantum fluctuations of the gravitational vacuum induce squeezing in the optical field. Moreover, this squeezing experiences revivals, a purely quantum effect. Measuring these gravitationally induced revivals, although out of reach from experiments, would provide evidence on the quantum nature of gravity. We also discuss the quantum mechanical treatment of the interaction between coherent and squeezed gravitational wave states and a gravity wave detector. In the case of a coherent gravitational wave, we reproduce the result from the classical theory with a quantum mechanical calculation. The case of a squeezed gravity wave is not calculable within the classical theory, and could provide evidence on the quantum nature of gravity.