Dark Energy Search by Atom Interferometry in the Einstein-Elevator

TL;DR

The paper discusses a novel atom interferometry experiment in microgravity to detect chameleon fields, which are candidates for dark energy, by overcoming screening effects in dense environments.

Contribution

It introduces a specialized source mass design enabling resonant detection of chameleon fields using multiloop atom interferometry in microgravity.

Findings

Design of adjustable source mass for potential modulation

Resonant detection method for chameleon fields

Potential to distinguish chameleon signals from environment

Abstract

The DESIRE project aims to test chameleon field theories as potential candidates for dark energy. The chameleon field is a light scalar field that is subject to screening mechanisms in dense environments making them hardly detectable. The project is designed to overcome this challenge. To this end, a specially designed source mass generates periodic gravitational and chameleon potentials. The design of the source mass allows for adjustment of the amplitude and periodicity of the gravitational potential while keeping the chameleon potential unchanged. The periodicity of the potentials makes them distinguishable from the environment and allows for resonant detection using multiloop atom interferometry under microgravity conditions.