Work

Test of Equivalence Principle at 1 0 − 8 Level by a Dual-Species Double-Diffraction Raman Atom Interferometer

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: We report an improved test of the weak equivalence principle by using a simultaneous $^{85}\mathrm{Rb}\text{\ensuremath{-}}^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ dual-species atom interferometer. We propose and implement a four-wave double-diffraction Raman transition scheme for the interferometer, and demonstrate its ability in suppressing common-mode phase noise of Raman lasers after their frequencies and intensity ratios are optimized. The statistical uncertainty of the experimental data for E\"otv\"os parameter $\ensuremath{\eta}$ is $0.8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1{0}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$ at 3200 s. With various systematic errors corrected, the final value is $\ensuremath{\eta}=(2.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3.0)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1{0}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$. The major uncertainty is attributed to the Coriolis effect.

Source: Physical Review Letters

DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.115.013004