Proof of Principle for Ramsey-type Gravity Resonance Spectroscopy with qBounce

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a proof of principle for Ramsey-type gravity resonance spectroscopy using ultracold neutrons, a novel high-precision method to test for non-Newtonian gravity at micrometer scales.

Contribution

It introduces and validates a new Ramsey-type gravity resonance spectroscopy technique with ultracold neutrons for probing gravity at small scales.

Findings

Successful demonstration of Ramsey-type GRS setup

Proof of principle established for the technique

Potential for future measurements of non-Newtonian gravity

Abstract

Ultracold neutrons (UCNs) are formidable probes in precision tests of gravity. With their negligible electric charge, dielectric moment, and polarizability they naturally evade some of the problems plaguing gravity experiments with atomic or macroscopic test bodies. Taking advantage of this fact, the qBounce collaboration has developed a technique - gravity resonance spectroscopy (GRS) - to study bound quantum states of UCN in the gravity field of the Earth. This technique is used as a high-precision tool to search for hypothetical Non-Newtonian gravity on the micrometer scale. In the present article, we describe the recently commissioned Ramsey-type GRS setup, give an unambiguous proof of principle, and discuss possible measurements that will be performed.