Constraints on Kaluza-Klein gravity from Gravity Probe B

TL;DR

This paper uses Gravity Probe B data to test Kaluza-Klein gravity, constraining deviations from General Relativity and showing the theory must be nearly four-dimensional to align with observations.

Contribution

It provides new limits on parameters of 5D Kaluza-Klein models using experimental geodetic precession data.

Findings

Constraints on Kaluza-Klein parameters tighten the theory's deviation from 4D GR.

The theory remains consistent with observations if it is nearly four-dimensional.

New bounds are established for static, spherically symmetric solutions in 5D gravity.

Abstract

Using measurements of geodetic precession from Gravity Probe B, we constrain possible departures from Einstein's General Relativity for a spinning test body in Kaluza-Klein gravity with one additional space dimension. We consider the two known static and spherically symmetric solutions of the 5D field equations (the soliton and canonical metrics) and obtain new limits on the free parameters associated with each. The theory is consistent with observation but must be "close to 4D" in both cases.