Hannover 2016 – scientific programme

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A: Fachverband Atomphysik

A 32: Ultra-cold atoms, ions and BEC III (with Q)

A 32.8: Talk

Thursday, March 3, 2016, 12:45–13:00, f107

Satellite-borne quantum test of the weak equivalence principle — •Naceur Gaaloul, Christian Schubert, Sina Loriani, Wolfgang Ertmer, and Ernst Maria Rasel — Leibniz University of Hanover, Germany

The high sensitivity of atom interferometer sensors makes it a promising tool for performing tests of fundamental theories. One timely challenge is to experimentally bound an eventual violation of the weak equivalence principle (WEP), a corner stone of General Relativity, by tracking the trajectories of two different atomic species in free fall. When operating on a satellite, the interferometry time of few seconds would allow to target an inaccuracy of 10⁻15 in differential acceleration between two atomic ensembles of different masses. In this presentation, we present the principle of such a measurement based on the use of a degenerate mixture of potassium and rubidium atoms. Several experimental arrangements have to be made in order to tackle a space operation and mitigate for significant systematic effects. This concept is proposed as a medium-size mission in the frame of the Cosmic Vision program of the European Space Agency.