An experimental platform for levitated mechanics in space

TL;DR

This paper presents a new experimental platform designed for conducting levitated mechanics experiments in space, enabling advanced fundamental physics research under microgravity conditions.

Contribution

It introduces a technology demonstrator for optical and magnetic levitation experiments in space, paving the way for future missions probing quantum mechanics, dark matter, and gravitational phenomena.

Findings

First space-compatible levitated experiment platform

Demonstrated feasibility of optical and magnetic trapping in space

Supports future fundamental physics investigations

Abstract

Conducting levitated mechanical experiments in extreme conditions has long been the aim of researchers, as it allows for the investigation of new fundamental physics phenomena. One of the great frontiers has been sending these experiments into the micro-g environment of space, with multiple proposals calling for such a platform. At the same time, levitated sensors have demonstrated a high sensitivity to external stimuli which will only improve in low-vibrational conditions. conditions This paper describes the development of a technology demonstrator for optical and magnetic trapping experiments in space. Our payload represents the first concrete step towards future missions with aims of probing fundamental physical questions: matter-wave interferometry of nanoparticles to probe the limits of macroscopic quantum mechanics, detection of Dark Matter candidates and gravitational waves to test physics beyond the Standard Model, and accelerometry for Earth-observation.