Magnetic Levitation as a New Probe of Non-Newtonian Gravity

TL;DR

This paper introduces MORRIS, a novel tabletop experiment using magnetic levitation to search for non-Newtonian gravity and fifth forces at millimeter scales, aiming to surpass existing bounds and explore new physics.

Contribution

The paper proposes the first magnetic levitation-based setup for detecting non-Newtonian gravity, with detailed sensitivity projections and a versatile statistical analysis framework.

Findings

Proof-of-principle short-term results demonstrate feasibility.

Projected constraints improve existing bounds on fifth-force coupling strength.

Method is adaptable to various models predicting fifth forces.

Abstract

We present MORRIS (Magnetic Oscillatory Resonator for Rare-Interaction Studies) and propose the first tabletop search for non-Newtonian gravity due to a Yukawa-like fifth force using a magnetically levitated particle. Our experiment comprises a levitated sub-millimeter magnet in a superconducting trap that is driven by a time-periodic source. Featuring short-, medium-, and long-term stages, MORRIS will admit increasing sensitivities to the force coupling strength $\alpha$, optimally probing screening lengths of $\lambda \sim 1\,\mathrm{mm}$. Our short-term setup provides a proof-of-principle study, with our medium- and long-term stages respectively constraining $\alpha \lesssim 10^{-4}$ and $\alpha \lesssim 10^{-5}$, leading over existing bounds. Our projections are readily recastable to concrete models predicting the existence of fifth forces, and our statistical analysis is generally applicable to well-characterized sinusoidal driving forces. By leveraging ultralow dissipation and heavy test masses, MORRIS opens a new window onto tests of small-scale gravity and searches for physics beyond the Standard Model.