A terrestrial search for dark contents of the vacuum, such as dark energy, using atom interferometry

Details A terrestrial search for dark contents of the vacuum, such as dark energy, using atom interferometry A terrestrial search for dark contents of the vacuum, such as dark energy, using atom interferometry

2011-01-28

arxiv.org/abs/1101.5626v1

Int. J. Mod. Phys. A26 (2011) 4959-4979

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics

Scientific paper

10.1142/S0217751X11054814

We describe the theory and first experimental work on our concept for searching on earth for the presence of dark content of the vacuum (DCV) using atom interferometry. Specifically, we have in mind any DCV that has not yet been detected on a laboratory scale, but might manifest itself as dark energy on the cosmological scale. The experimental method uses two atom interferometers to cancel the effect of earth's gravity and diverse noise sources. It depends upon two assumptions: first, that the DCV possesses some space inhomogeneity in density, and second that it exerts a sufficiently strong non-gravitational force on matter. The motion of the apparatus through the DCV should then lead to an irregular variation in the detected matter-wave phase shift. We discuss the nature of this signal and note the problem of distinguishing it from instrumental noise. We also discuss the relation of our experiment to what might be learned by studying the noise in gravitational wave detectors such as LIGO.The paper concludes with a projection that a future search of this nature might be carried out using an atom interferometer in an orbiting satellite. The apparatus is now being constructed.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

A terrestrial search for dark contents of the vacuum, such as dark energy, using atom interferometry does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with A terrestrial search for dark contents of the vacuum, such as dark energy, using atom interferometry, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A terrestrial search for dark contents of the vacuum, such as dark energy, using atom interferometry will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-571910