Interferometric Measurement of Acceleration at Relativistic Speeds

TL;DR

This paper proposes a relativistic interferometric accelerometer that is highly sensitive, robust, and capable of measuring planetary and galactic masses during interstellar missions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel interferometric accelerometer design that operates at relativistic speeds without moving parts, enhancing robustness and measurement capabilities.

Findings

Sensitive detection of acceleration at relativistic speeds

Potential for interstellar planetary mass measurements

Robust design with no moving parts

Abstract

We show that an interferometer moving at a relativistic speed relative to a point source of light offers a sensitive probe of acceleration. Such an accelerometer contains no moving parts, and is thus more robust than conventional "mass-on-a-spring" accelerometers. In an interstellar mission to Alpha-Centauri, such an accelerometer could be used to measure the masses of planets around other stars as well as the mass distribution of the Milky Way Galaxy.