It was already recognised in the late 1990s that signals from highly energetic and distant astrophysical sources could provide a unique opportunity to probe the quantum nature of spacetime. Such a quantum — possibly granular or even discrete — structure could alter the propagation speed of high-energy messengers (photons, cosmic rays, neutrinos...) or affect their probability of interacting with other fields or particles.
In this search for new phenomena predicted by quantum gravity (QG) models, astrophysical sources play a crucial role as sites where primary particles are created and accelerated. Correctly interpreting any observed effect therefore requires a clear distinction between QG-induced signatures and conventional astrophysical effects arising from emission or acceleration processes. In addition, standard physics at play during propagation should also be considered.
The goal of this workshop is to foster interaction between source modeling specialists and experimentalists investigating potential quantum-gravity effects, with the aim of emphasizing the scientific advances which can result from stronger cross-disciplinary collaboration.
To improve the quality of interactions and discussions, the workshop is intended to be attended in person. A Zoom connexion will be provided, but online talks won't be possible.
This workshop is partly funded by COST Action CA23130 BridgeQG.
Local Organizing Committee
Sami Caroff - LAPP Annecy, France
Scientific Organizing Committee
Julien Bolmont - Sorbonne Université, LPNHE, Paris, France
Sami Caroff - LAPP Annecy, France
Giulia Gubitosi - University of Napoli, Italy
Philip Reščić - University of Rijeka, Croatia
Tomislav Terzić - University of Rijeka, Croatia
About COST Action CA23130 BridgeQG
Recent advances in both high-energy astrophysics and high-precision table-top experiments are pushing our capability to test nature in regimes where gravity meets quantum physics. Astrophysical observations are now potentially sensitive to tiny residual effects of Planck-scale physics, while table-top experiments are reaching the precision needed to test the interplay between gravity and quantum systems at ultra-low energies. Investigations of these regimes, in particular once they are combined, will provide important clues towards the understanding of the full-fledged theory of quantum gravity.
The main aim of the Action is to bring together scientists with a variety of complementary expertise: theorists working on quantum gravity or the interplay between gravity and quantum physics with quantum information and quantum optics tools, and experimentalists involved in astrophysical searches for quantum gravity, or investigating the effects of gravitational interactions on quantum systems. The resulting interdisciplinary collaboration will develop a common language and a shared framework which will boost investigations at the interface between high-energy quantum gravity and quantum aspects of gravity in the weak-field regime. The Action will also facilitate cross-disciplinary training and exposure of young scientists to different communities with a common goal, serving as a career accelerator. The synergy within this newly-formed community will be essential to systematically search for quantum gravity on all scales, and possibly find the first signatures of new physics.
The topics covered by BridgeQG are particularly suited for outreach. The Action will promote interest in fundamental physics among the general public and in particular school pupils.
For more information, please refer to CA23130 BridgeQG web site.
Acknowledegments
This conference is supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). COST is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. COST Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation.
