Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: The gravitational acceleration of antimatter, g ¯ , has yet to be directly measured; an unexpected outcome of its measurement could change our understanding of gravity, the universe, and the possibility of a fifth force. Three avenues are apparent for such a measurement: antihydrogen, positronium, and muonium, the last requiring a precision atom interferometer and novel muonium beam under development. The interferometer and its few-picometer alignment and calibration systems appear feasible. With 100 nm grating pitch, measurements of g ¯ to 10%, 1%, or better can be envisioned. These could constitute the first gravitational measurements of leptonic matter, of 2nd-generation matter, and possibly, of antimatter.
Source: Atoms
DOI: 10.3390/atoms6020017
Authors: Aldo Antognini, Daniel Kaplan, Klaus Kirch, Andreas Knecht, Derrick Mancini, James Phillips, Thomas Phillips, Robert Reasenberg, Thomas Roberts, Anna Soter
Language: English
Topic: Atomic and Molecular Physics
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,810
OpenAlex ID: W2143183175