Graviton Scattering on Gravitational Atoms: Relic Graviton Shot Noise

Abstract: We study the scattering of a graviton on a gravitational atom. By gravitational atom we mean a quantum mechanical system of a gravitational (bound) state of two massive particles, with possibly some boundary conditions (such as bouncing on a table or hanging as a pendulum). We demonstrate the unexpected fact, that the total absorption cross section is universal, it is independent of both the mass of the gravitationally bound particle or of the mass providing the binding potential. We find that the total absorption cross-section is simply proportional to the Planck area, multiplied by a dimensionless, numerical factor. We speculate about the potential for detection of relic gravitons shot noise.