The Quantum Interferometer Test of the Equivalence Principle (QuITE) is a proposed space
mission concept that promises to test the Einstein Equivalence Principle at a new and
interesting level. The experiment employs two co-located atom interferometers of
different atomic species and measures the absolute single axis differential acceleration.
JPL is part of the PI team as well as responsible for the technology development for the
mission.
What’s EEP?
a) all bodies fall identically;
b) all local free fall frames are equivalent
Motivation:
EEP is the essential pillar on which Einstein’s general relativity and all
other metric theories of gravity stand.
A violation is predicted by non-metric theories, such as the string theory;
• As the basic physical theory, one should continue the test to the utmost precision
possible (currently 10–13).
QuITE mission promises exciting scientific and technology returns:
- Improving the test of Einstein’s Equivalence Principle
- Searching for a new limit of validity improved by three orders of magnitude
- Provide new way of testing with individual atoms
- First space-borne atom interferometer technology demonstration for future
fundamental physics experiments (atom gyroscope, ...)
- Technology development for space-borne quantum gravity gradiometer for other NASA
applications (Earth Science gravity mapping code Y, Space Science planetary exploration
code S, ...) More...
