München 2009 – scientific programme

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GR: Fachverband Gravitation und Relativitätstheorie

GR 14: Experimente zur Gravitation I

GR 14.3: Talk

Thursday, March 12, 2009, 18:05–18:25, A214

Sagnac Effect in a Proper Reference Frame — •Endre Kajari, Michael Buser, Cornelia Feiler, and Wolfgang P. Schleich — Institut für Quantenphysik, Universität Ulm, D-89069 Ulm, Germany

Cold atoms and degenerate quantum gases in space have the potential to extend the current limits of matter-wave interferometry. Several international projects aim for future space missions and local tests of general relativity. In particular, the QUANTUS collaboration currently studies the creation and time evolution of Bose-Einstein condensates in weightlessness at the drop tower facility in Bremen (ZARM).

In view of this fascinating experimental progress, we want to draw attention to the so-called proper reference frames which fit the needs of future satellite experiments. As an example, we apply these specific local coordinates to Sagnac interferometry and present the corresponding first two leading order contributions. We conclude by introducing a simple measurement scheme, which provides not only information about the rotation relative to the compass of inertia, but also about the spacetime curvature along the world line of the satellite.