Testing Lorentz Symmetry with Gravity

TL;DR

This paper reviews how Lorentz symmetry violations in gravity can be tested through various experiments, using the Standard-Model Extension framework to analyze weak-field phenomena and experimental data.

Contribution

It applies the SME framework to gravitational experiments, demonstrating their sensitivity to Lorentz violation coefficients in the weak-field regime.

Findings

Lunar laser ranging constrains Lorentz-violating coefficients.

Gravity Probe B data provides bounds on SME parameters.

Binary pulsar observations are sensitive to Lorentz violation in gravity.

Abstract

In this talk, results from the gravitational sector of the Standard-Model Extension (SME) are discussed. The weak-field phenomenology of the resulting modified gravitational field equations is explored. The application of the results to a variety of modern gravity experiments, including lunar laser ranging, Gravity Probe B, binary pulsars, and Earth-laboratory tests, shows promising sensitivity to gravitational coefficients for Lorentz violation in the SME.