Studies of general relativity with quantum sensors

TL;DR

This paper discusses two quantum sensor projects using cold-atom interferometry to detect gravitational waves and test the equivalence principle, advancing experimental tests of general relativity.

Contribution

It introduces novel quantum sensor setups for high-precision tests of general relativity, including a multi-sensor gravitational wave detector and a mobile equivalence principle test device.

Findings

Development of a multi-sensor atom interferometer for gravitational wave detection

Implementation of a compact dual-species interferometer for equivalence principle testing

Recent improvements in sensor sensitivity and stability

Abstract

We present two projects aiming to probe key aspects of the theory of General Relativity with high-precision quantum sensors. These projects use cold-atom interferometry with the aim of measuring gravitational waves and testing the equivalence principle. To detect gravitational waves, a large multi-sensor demonstrator is currently under construction that will exploit correlations between three atom interferometers spread along a 200 m optical cavity. Similarly, a test of the weak equivalence principle is currently underway using a compact and mobile dual-species interferometer, which will serve as a prototype for future high-precision tests onboard an orbiting satellite. We present recent results and improvements related to both projects.