Gravitational Polarization {\&} The Schiff-Dessler Controversy

The behavior of composite matter in external fields can be very reveling. The quantum mechanical problem of an electrically conducting material object (test mass) placed in a uniform (weak) gravitational field, \textbf{\textit{g}}, was considered by many authors starting with Schiff [Phys. Rev. 151, 1067 (1966)]. Depending on the theoretical treatment opposing results of gravity induced (electric) field \textbf{\textit{E}}$_{g}$ have been reported. In the Schiff model [L.I. Schiff, PRB, \textbf{1}, 4649 (1970)] \textbf{\textit{E}}$_{g}$ is predicted to be oriented anti-parallel (with reference to \textbf{\textit{g}}). On the other hand it is found to be parallel in the more realistic elastic lattice model [A. J. Dessler et al, Phys.Rev, \textbf{168}, 737, (1968); Edward Teller, PNAS, \textbf{74}, 2664 (1977)]. Surprisingly, this contradiction has been largely overlooked by modern researchers. The preliminary results of an experimental study will be reported. Several interesting theoretical and technological implications will be suggested.