High precision test of the equivalence principle

ORAL

Abstract

The equivalence principle is the underlying foundation of General Relativity. Many modern quantum theories of gravity predict violations of the equivalence principle. We are using a rotating torsion balance to search for a new equivalence principle violating, long range interaction. A sensitive torsion balance is mounted on a turntable rotating with constant angular velocity. On the torsion pendulum beryllium and titanium test bodies are installed in a composition dipole configuration. A violation of the equivalence principle would yield to a differential acceleration of the two materials towards a source mass. I will present measurements with a differential acceleration sensitivity of $3\times 10^{-15}\;\mbox{m}/\mbox{s}^2$.

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Authors

  • Stephan Schlamminger

    University of Washington

  • Galina Malovichko

    Physics and Astronomy, Brigham Young University, ADVR, HP Laboratories, University of Idaho, Montana State University, BYU, University of Washington, Department of Chemistry, The Materials Science and Institute, Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, University of Oregon, University of Idaho, Dept. of Physics, Moscow ID

  • Galina Malovichko

    Physics and Astronomy, Brigham Young University, ADVR, HP Laboratories, University of Idaho, Montana State University, BYU, University of Washington, Department of Chemistry, The Materials Science and Institute, Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, University of Oregon, University of Idaho, Dept. of Physics, Moscow ID

  • Galina Malovichko

    Physics and Astronomy, Brigham Young University, ADVR, HP Laboratories, University of Idaho, Montana State University, BYU, University of Washington, Department of Chemistry, The Materials Science and Institute, Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, University of Oregon, University of Idaho, Dept. of Physics, Moscow ID

  • Galina Malovichko

    Physics and Astronomy, Brigham Young University, ADVR, HP Laboratories, University of Idaho, Montana State University, BYU, University of Washington, Department of Chemistry, The Materials Science and Institute, Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, University of Oregon, University of Idaho, Dept. of Physics, Moscow ID