Ultra-stable cryogenic optical resonators for tests of fundamental physics

TL;DR

This paper introduces a cryogenic sapphire resonator system with ultra-high stability aimed at enhancing tests of fundamental physics, particularly Einstein's relativity, with potential to detect new physics phenomena.

Contribution

It presents the design and initial measurements of a cryogenic sapphire resonator achieving unprecedented frequency stability for fundamental physics tests.

Findings

Potential relative frequency stability better than 3x10^-17

First measurement results demonstrating high stability

Projected experiment to test Lorentz invariance

Abstract

We present the design and first measurement results for an ultra-stable cryogenically cooled optical sapphire resonator system with a potential relative frequency stability better than 3x10^-17. This level of oscillator stability allows for more precise tests of Einstein's theories of relativity and thus could help to find first hints of "new physics". We will give some details on a projected experiment to test Lorentz invariance that will utilize these cavities.