• Experimental emulation of post-Newtonian gravity achieved through nonlinear optics, simulating a quantum wavefunction under self-gravity dynamics.
• Observation of distinct soliton solutions of the post-Newtonian–Schrödinger equations, differing from Newtonian counterparts, using high-intensity laser beams.
• Demonstration of rich beam evolution, including beam splitting and doughnut-shaped beams, opening new experimental capabilities for simulating wavefunction dynamics in general relativity.

A recent study published in Nature Communications details the experimental emulation of post-Newtonian gravity using nonlinear optics. This breakthrough allows researchers to probe a unique physical regime of nonlinearity, simulating larger masses in gravity. The experiment involved observing soliton solutions of the post-Newtonian–Schrödinger equations, which are distinct from their Newtonian counterparts. This research opens new avenues for studying the unification of Einstein’s general relativity and quantum mechanics, a significant challenge in modern physics.

• What: Experimental simulation of post-Newtonian gravity using nonlinear optics, leading to the observation of distinct soliton solutions and rich beam evolution.
• Who: Omer Paz, Yonatan Ben-Haim, Shay Rakia, and Rivka Bekenstein from the Racah Institute of Physics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
• When: Experiment conducted and results published in Nature Communications on May 2, 2025. Received: 09 June 2024, Accepted: 22 April 2025, Published: 02 May 2025
• Where: Racah Institute of Physics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. Experiment conducted using a thermal nonlinear medium (SF11 lead glass).

This research provides a significant advancement in simulating gravitational effects in a laboratory setting. By emulating post-Newtonian gravity through nonlinear optics, the study bridges the gap between theoretical physics and experimental observation. The ability to observe and analyze soliton solutions and beam evolution in this context opens up new avenues for exploring quantum gravity and related phenomena. The use of high-intensity laser beams and a thermal nonlinear medium allows for the investigation of previously inaccessible physical regimes, potentially leading to new discoveries in the field.

The experimental emulation of post-Newtonian gravity using nonlinear optics represents a significant step forward in the study of quantum gravity. The observation of distinct soliton solutions and rich beam evolution provides valuable insights into the behavior of wavefunctions under self-gravity dynamics. This research sets the stage for future investigations into other general relativity effects, such as frame-dragging and boson-star formation, and highlights the potential of nonlinear optics as a tool for exploring fundamental physics.