Constraints on Lorentz symmetry violations with Lunar Laser Ranging

TL;DR

This paper uses lunar laser ranging data to set new experimental constraints on potential violations of Lorentz symmetry within the framework of the standard-model extension, focusing on gravitational and gravity-matter interactions.

Contribution

First direct experimental determination of SME coefficients using lunar laser ranging measurements, improving constraints on Lorentz symmetry violations.

Findings

New bounds on Lorentz symmetry violations in gravitational sectors

First application of LLR data to SME coefficient estimation

Comparison with previous theoretical constraints

Abstract

We present new constraints on Lorentz symmetry (LS) violations with lunar laser ranging (LLR). Those constraints are derived in the standard-model extension (SME) framework aiming at parameterizing any LS deviations in all sectors of physics. We restrict ourself to two sectors namely the pure gravitational sector of the minimal SME and the gravity-matter coupling. We describe the adopted method and compare our results to previous analysis based on theoretical grounds. This work constitutes the first direct experimental determination of the SME coefficients using LLR measurements.