Local Position Invariance and Vacuum Energy Shifts

TL;DR

This paper explores how quantum mechanical energies, like the Lamb Shift, can be used to test the Einstein Equivalence Principle, specifically focusing on potential violations of Local Position Invariance.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to testing the Einstein Equivalence Principle using quantum energies, highlighting potential quantum violations of Local Position Invariance.

Findings

Lamb Shift energies can serve as probes for quantum violations of the principle.

Quantum effects may lead to measurable deviations from classical predictions.

The approach provides a new avenue for testing fundamental physics principles.

Abstract

We discuss tests of the Einstein Equivalence Principle due to energies which are purely quantum mechanical in origin. In particular, we consider using Lamb Shift energies to test for possible quantum violations of Local Position Invariance. (to appear in the Proceedings of the 5th Canadian Conference on General Relativity and Relativistic Astrophysics, University of Waterloo, May 13-- 15, 1993) (acknowledgements changed to correct an omission in the originally submitted version)