An angular momentum based graviton detector

Abstract

We show that gravitons with energy $E<\Omega$, where $\Omega$ is the energy gap a localized non-relativistic system, can be detected by finite-time interactions with a detector. Our detector is based on a quadrupole moment interaction between the hydrogen atom and the gravitational field in the linearized approximation. In this model, the external agent responsible for switching the interaction on an off inputs energy into the system, which creates a non-zero excitation probability even when the field is in the vacuum state. However, when the gravitational field is in a one-particle state with angular momentum, we obtain excitations due to the field's particle content. These detector excitations are then associated with the detection of gravitons. We also discuss a possible physical realization of our model where the electromagnetic field plays the role of the external agent.