Adler et al., 2000

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R Adler, I Nemenman, J Overduin, and D Santiago. On the detectability of quantum spacetime foam with gravitational-wave interferometers. Phys. Lett. B, 477:424-428, 2000. PDF, arXiv.

Abstract

We discuss a recent provocative suggestion by Amelino-Camelia and others that classical spacetime may break down into ттquantum foamуу on distance scales many orders of magnitude larger than the Planck length, leading to effects which could be detected using large gravitational wave interferometers. This suggestion is based on a quantum uncertainty limit obtained by Wigner using a quantum clock in a gedanken timing experiment. Wignerуs limit, however, is based on two unrealistic and unnecessary assumptions: that the clock is free to move, and that it does not interact with the environment. Removing either of these assumptions makes the uncertainty limit invalid, and removes the basis for Amelino-Cameliaуs suggestion.