Gravitational Quantum Well

Abstract

We discuss the implications of a model of noncommutative Quantum Mechanics where noncommutativity is extended to the phase space. We analyze how this model affects the problem of the two-dimensional gravitational quantum well and use the latest experimental results for the energy states of neutrons in the Earth's gravitational field to establish an upper bound on the fundamental momentum scale introduced by noncommutativity. We show that the configuration space noncommutativity has, in leading order, no effect on the problem and that in the context of the model, a correction to the presently accepted value of Planck's constant to 1 part in $10^{24}$ arises. We also study the transition between quantum and classical behaviour of particles in a gravitational quantum well and analyze how an increase in the particles mass turns the energy spectrum into a continuous one. We consider these effects and argue that they could be tested by through experiments with atoms and fullerene-type molecules.