A Search for deviations from the inverse square law of gravity at nm range using a pulsed neutron beam

TL;DR

This paper reports an experimental search for deviations from Newtonian gravity at nanometer scales using neutron scattering, setting new bounds on possible new interactions in the sub-nanometer range.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel neutron scattering method to test gravity at nanometer distances and provides improved bounds on new interactions compared to previous experiments.

Findings

Placed upper bounds on new interaction strength for $\, ext{λ} < 0.1 ext{ nm}$

Demonstrated the effectiveness of neutron scattering for short-range gravity tests

Outlined plans for enhancing sensitivity at larger interaction lengths

Abstract

We describe an experimental search for deviations from the inverse square law of gravity at the nanometer length scale using neutron scattering from noble gases on a pulsed slow neutron beamline. By measuring the neutron momentum transfer ($q$) dependence of the differential cross section for xenon and helium and comparing to their well-known analytical forms, we place an upper bound on the strength of a new interaction as a function of interaction length $\lambda$ which improves upon previous results in the region $\lambda < 0.1\,$nm, and remains competitive in the larger $\lambda$ region. A pseudoexperimental simulation developed for this experiment and its role in the data analysis described. We conclude with plans for improving sensitivity in the larger $\lambda$ region.