title: Large quantum superpositions and interference of massive nanometer-sized objects.
abstract: We propose a method to prepare and verify spatial quantum superpositions of a nanometer-sized object separated by distances of the order of its size. This method provides unprecedented bounds for objective collapse models of the wave function by merging techniques and insights from cavity quantum optomechanics and matter-wave interferometry. An analysis and simulation of the experiment is performed taking into account standard sources of decoherence. We provide an operational parameter regime using present-day and planned technology.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Hans-Kopfermann-Strasse 1, D-85748, Garching, Germany.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Romero-Isart
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Pflanzer
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Blaser
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kaltenbaek
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kiesel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aspelmeyer
authors.forename: J I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Cirac