Exploring the possibility of detecting dark energy in a terrestrial experiment using atom interferometry
Instrumentation and Detectors
2010-01-25 v1 Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics
Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics
Abstract
The majority of astronomers and physicists accept the reality of dark energy but also believe it can only be studied indirectly through observation of the motions of galaxies. This paper opens the experimental question of whether it is possible to directly detect dark energy on earth using atom interferometry through a force hypothetically caused by a gradient in the dark energy density. Our proposed experimental design is outlined. The possibility of detecting other weak fields is briefly discussed.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1001.4061,
title = {Exploring the possibility of detecting dark energy in a terrestrial experiment using atom interferometry},
author = {Martin L. Perl and Holger Mueller},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1001.4061},
year = {2010}
}
Comments
Revised version of a paper presented by MLP at the Windows on the Universe, XXI Rencontres de Blois, 21-26 June, 2009