Gravitational sensing with weak value based optical sensors

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of weak value amplification in optical sensors to achieve extremely high sensitivity in gravitational measurements, potentially enabling detection of tiny accelerations and mass variations.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical framework for gravitational sensing using weak value interferometry with force-sensing pendulums, achieving unprecedented sensitivity levels.

Findings

Sensitivity of a few 10's of zepto-g/√Hz with 1 mW optical power

Conversion of optical sensitivity into range and mass measurements

Discussion of noise sources and cooling requirements

Abstract

Using weak values amplification angular resolution limits, we theoretically investigate the gravitational sensing of objects. By inserting a force-sensing pendulum into a weak values interferometer, the optical response can sense accelerations to a few 10's of $\mathrm{zepto}\text{-}\mathrm{g}/\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}$, with optical powers of $1~\mathrm{mW}$. We convert this precision into range and mass sensitivity, focusing in detail on simple and torsion pendula. Various noise sources present are discussed, as well as the necessary cooling that should be applied to reach the desired levels of precision.