A Testable Hypothesis for Non-Gaussian Phase Noise in Quantum Systems
Description
We propose a minimal, testable deviation from standard quantum mechanics in the form of weak non-Gaussian phase fluctuations in interferometric systems. While conventional decoherence predicts Gaussian phase noise, we introduce the possibility of small but finite higher-order statistical deviations. This is captured by a non-zero kurtosis of the phase distribution. We outline the theoretical motivation, derive the observable, and propose an experimental protocol to test the hypothesis. Existing data do not rule out small deviations, but place strong upper bounds on their magnitude. Quantum mechanics successfully describes interference and decoherence phenomena using linear evolution and environmental coupling. In standard treatments, phase noise arising from decoherence is effectively Gaussian, leading to smooth exponential decay of interference visibility. However, it remains an open question whether this Gaussianity is exact, or an approximation. Even small deviations—if present—could indicate new physics beyond standard decoherence models. This work proposes a minimal extension: «Phase noise may exhibit weak non-Gaussian behavior, detectable through higher-order statistical moments.»