We carry out a systematic study of the bounds that can be set on Planck-scale deformations of relativistic symmetries and CPT from precision measurements of particle and antiparticle lifetimes. Elaborating on our earlier work [1] we discuss a new form of departure from CPT invariance linked to the possibility of a non-trivial geometry of four-momentum and its consequences for the particle and antiparticle mass-shells and decay probabilities. Our main result is a collection of experimental bounds that can be obtained for the deformation parameter of the theoretical model under consideration based on current data and sensitivities of planned experiments at high energies.
Deformed relativistic kinematics, expected to emerge in a flat-spacetime limit of quantum gravity, predicts violation of discrete symmetries at energy scale in the vicinity of the Planck mass. Momentum-dependent deformations of the C, P and T invariance are derived from the k{appa}-deformed Poincare algebra. Deformation of the CPT symmetry leads to a subtle violation of Lorentz symmetry. This entails some small but measurable phenomenological consequences, as corrections to characteristics of time evolution: particle lifetimes or frequency of flavour oscillations in two-particle states at high energy. We argue here that using current experimental precisions on the muon lifetime one can bound the deformation parameter k{appa} > 10^14 GeV at LHC energy and move this limit even to 10^16 GeV at Future Circular Collider, planned at CERN. Weaker limits on deformation can be also obtained from interference of neutral mesons. In case of B0s from {Upsilon} decay it amounts to k{appa} > 10^8 GeV at confidence level 99%.
We show that deformed relativistic kinematics, expected to emerge in a flat-spacetime limit of quantum gravity, predicts different lifetimes for particles and their antiparticles. This phenomenon is a consequence of Planck-scale modifications of the action of discrete symmetries. In particular we focus on deformations of the action of CPT derived from the kappa-Poincare algebra, the most studied example of Planck-scale deformation of relativistic symmetries. Looking at lifetimes of muons and anti-muons we are able to derive an experimental bound on the deformation parameter of kappa > 4x10^14 GeV from measurements at the LHC. Such bound has the potential to reach the value of kappa > 2x10^16 GeV using measurements at the planned Future Circular Collider (FCC).
One of the main challenges in physics today is to merge quantum theory and the theory of general relativity into a unified framework. Various approaches towards developing such a theory of quantum gravity are pursued, but the lack of experimental evidence of quantum gravitational effects thus far is a major hindrance. Yet, the quantization of space-time itself can have experimental implications: the existence of a minimal length scale is widely expected to result in a modification of the Heisenberg uncertainty relation. Here we introduce a scheme that allows an experimental test of this conjecture by probing directly the canonical commutation relation of the center of mass mode of a massive mechanical oscillator with a mass close to the Planck mass. Our protocol utilizes quantum optical control and readout of the mechanical system to probe possible deviations from the quantum commutation relation even at the Planck scale. We show that the scheme is within reach of current technology. It thus opens a feasible route for tabletop experiments to test possible quantum gravitational phenomena.
We challenge the analysis and conclusions of the paper Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 141103 (2012) by V. Gharibyan on the tests of Planck-scale gravity with accelerators. The main objective of the Comment is the observation that the explored domain of quantum gravity parameters is already ruled out experimentally from, e.g., absence of the vacuum Cherenkov radiation.
In recent years, the breakdown of spacetime symmetries has been identified as a promising research field in the context of Planck-scale phenomenology. For example, various theoretical approaches to the quantum-gravity problem are known to accommodate minute violations of CPT invariance. This talk covers various topics within this research area. In particular, some mechanisms for spacetime-symmetry breaking as well as the Standard-Model Extension (SME) test framework will be reviewed; the connection between CPT and Lorentz invariance in quantum field theory will be exposed; and various experimental CPT tests with emphasis on matter--antimatter comparisons will be discussed.