Testing general relativity by means of ringlasers

TL;DR

This paper explores how to optimally configure ring laser gyroscopes to measure Earth's general relativistic effects, emphasizing orientation accuracy and the use of multiple latitudes for precise detection.

Contribution

It provides an analysis of optimal ring laser configurations and orientations for detecting Earth's relativistic effects, considering device placement and Earth's non-sphericity.

Findings

Optimal orientation angles for maximum signal detection

Minimization of sensitivity to orientation uncertainties

Consideration of Earth's non-sphericity effects

Abstract

The paper discusses the optimal conguration of one or more ring lasers to be used for measuring the general relativistic effects of the rotation of the earth, as manifested on the surface of the planet. The analysis is focused on devices having their normal vector lying in the meridian plane. The crucial role of the evaluation of the angles is evidenced. Special attention is paid to the orientation at the maximum signal, minimizing the sensitivity to the orientation uncertainty. The use of rings at different latitudes is mentioned and the problem of the non-sfericity of the earth is commented.