Strongly coupled chameleon fields: possible test with a neutron Lloyd's mirror interferometer

TL;DR

This paper proposes using a neutron Lloyd's mirror interferometer to detect strongly coupled chameleon scalar fields, which could cause measurable phase shifts in neutron waves due to their short-range interactions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental setup to test for strongly coupled chameleon fields using neutron interferometry, providing sensitivity estimates for detection.

Findings

Potential to detect chameleon fields via neutron phase shifts

Sensitivity estimates suggest feasible experimental parameters

Provides a new method to explore dark energy candidates

Abstract

The consideration is presented of possible neutron Lloyd's mirror interferometer experiment to search for strongly coupled chameleon fields. The chameleon scalar fields were proposed to explain the early and late time acceleration of expansion of the Universe. They may produce short-range interaction between particles and matter. This interaction causes phase shift of neutron waves in the interferometer. Estimates of sensitivity are performed.