Snowmass 2021 White Paper: Tabletop experiments for infrared quantum gravity

Abstract

Progress in the quantum readout and control of mechanical devices from single atoms to large masses may enable a first generation of experiments probing the gravitational interaction in the quantum regime, conceivably within the next decade. In this Snowmass whitepaper, we briefly outline the possibilities and challenges facing the realization of these experiments. In particular, we emphasize the need for detailed theories of modifications to the usual effective QFT of gravitons in the infrared regime $E/L^3 \ll m_{\rm Pl}/\ell_{\rm Pl}^3$ in which these experiments operate, and relations to possible UV completions.