Work

Testing the weak equivalence principle with positronium by Rydberg-atom interferometry

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We describe an experimental scheme wherein phase shifts induced by the gravitational field of the Earth on atoms in superpositions of Rydberg states with large static electric dipole moments can be observed by matter-wave interferometry. Such measurements, performed using positronium (Ps) atoms would constitute a test of the weak equivalence principle for a purely leptonic matter-antimatter system. Using realistic experimental parameters, obtained from measured data, we estimate that this approach could make it possible to measure the gravitational acceleration of Ps with a precision on the order of 10%.

Source: New Journal of Physics

DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/adfe87

Authors: L R McCaul, D B Cassidy, S D Hogan

Institution: University College London

Language: English

Topic: Relativity and Gravitational Theory

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,610

Funders: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Science and Technology Facilities Council