Gravity-wave detector used to search for quantum gravity

Ars Technica : Designed to detect gravity waves, AURIGA (the ultracryogenic resonant antenna for gravitational-wave astronomy) consists of a 3-m-long, 2.3-ton aluminum cylinder. But because it is cooled to just millionths of a degree above absolute zero, it also gives researchers an opportunity to look for manifestations of quantum gravity. Generally, quantum mechanical systems will vibrate even at absolute zero. However, quantum gravity, at least in theory, could modify the energy of those vibrations. Nevertheless, measurements made by AURIGA matched the standard quantum mechanical predictions without evoking quantum gravity. Although the finding does not rule out the existence of quantum gravity, it may set the upper bound for the energy level at which quantum gravity could have any impact. Another possibility is that AURIGA may not be sensitive enough to detect the variations caused by quantum gravity. The results nonetheless provide a proof-of-concept model for future attempts to measure quantum gravity and provide reason for theorists to refine the predictions for their quantum-gravity models.