Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 501-524 |
| Number of pages | 24 |
| Journal | Advances in space research |
| Volume | 55 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 17 Jul 2014 |
Abstract
We present in detail the scientific objectives in fundamental physics of the Space-Time Explorer and QUantum Equivalence Space Test (STE-QUEST) space mission. STE-QUEST was pre-selected by the European Space Agency together with four other missions for the cosmic vision M3 launch opportunity planned around 2024. It carries out tests of different aspects of the Einstein Equivalence Principle using atomic clocks, matter wave interferometry and long distance time/frequency links, providing fascinating science at the interface between quantum mechanics and gravitation that cannot be achieved, at that level of precision, in ground experiments. We especially emphasize the specific strong interest of performing Equivalence Principle tests in the quantum regime, i.e. using quantum atomic wave interferometry. Although STE-QUEST was finally not selected in early 2014 because of budgetary and technological reasons, its science case was very highly rated. Our aim is to expose that science to a large audience in order to allow future projects and proposals to take advantage of the STE-QUEST experience.
Keywords
- Alternative theories, Atomic wave interferometry, Einstein Equivalence Principle, Fundamental physics, General relativity, Gravitational redshift, Microwave frequency link
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Engineering(all)
- Aerospace Engineering
- Physics and Astronomy(all)
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Earth and Planetary Sciences(all)
- Geophysics
- Earth and Planetary Sciences(all)
- Atmospheric Science
- Earth and Planetary Sciences(all)
- Space and Planetary Science
- Earth and Planetary Sciences(all)
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In: Advances in space research, Vol. 55, No. 1, 17.07.2014, p. 501-524.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Quantum tests of the Einstein Equivalence Principle with the STE-QUEST space mission
AU - Altschul, Brett
AU - Bailey, Quentin G.
AU - Blanchet, Luc
AU - Bongs, Kai
AU - Bouyer, Philippe
AU - Cacciapuoti, Luigi
AU - Capozziello, Salvatore
AU - Gaaloul, Naceur
AU - Giulini, Domenico
AU - Hartwig, Jonas
AU - Iess, Luciano
AU - Jetzer, Philippe
AU - Landragin, Arnaud
AU - Rasel, Ernst
AU - Reynaud, Serge
AU - Schiller, Stephan
AU - Schubert, Christian
AU - Sorrentino, Fiodor
AU - Sterr, Uwe
AU - Tasson, Jay D.
AU - Tino, Guglielmo M.
AU - Tuckey, Philip
AU - Wolf, Peter
N1 - Funding information: The authors would like to acknowledge support from ESA and National space agencies (CH, D, ES, F, GR, I, S, UK). Significant support was provided by numerous scientists strongly involved in the elaboration of the science case, in the simulation activities, in the payload and instruments studies.
PY - 2014/7/17
Y1 - 2014/7/17
N2 - We present in detail the scientific objectives in fundamental physics of the Space-Time Explorer and QUantum Equivalence Space Test (STE-QUEST) space mission. STE-QUEST was pre-selected by the European Space Agency together with four other missions for the cosmic vision M3 launch opportunity planned around 2024. It carries out tests of different aspects of the Einstein Equivalence Principle using atomic clocks, matter wave interferometry and long distance time/frequency links, providing fascinating science at the interface between quantum mechanics and gravitation that cannot be achieved, at that level of precision, in ground experiments. We especially emphasize the specific strong interest of performing Equivalence Principle tests in the quantum regime, i.e. using quantum atomic wave interferometry. Although STE-QUEST was finally not selected in early 2014 because of budgetary and technological reasons, its science case was very highly rated. Our aim is to expose that science to a large audience in order to allow future projects and proposals to take advantage of the STE-QUEST experience.
AB - We present in detail the scientific objectives in fundamental physics of the Space-Time Explorer and QUantum Equivalence Space Test (STE-QUEST) space mission. STE-QUEST was pre-selected by the European Space Agency together with four other missions for the cosmic vision M3 launch opportunity planned around 2024. It carries out tests of different aspects of the Einstein Equivalence Principle using atomic clocks, matter wave interferometry and long distance time/frequency links, providing fascinating science at the interface between quantum mechanics and gravitation that cannot be achieved, at that level of precision, in ground experiments. We especially emphasize the specific strong interest of performing Equivalence Principle tests in the quantum regime, i.e. using quantum atomic wave interferometry. Although STE-QUEST was finally not selected in early 2014 because of budgetary and technological reasons, its science case was very highly rated. Our aim is to expose that science to a large audience in order to allow future projects and proposals to take advantage of the STE-QUEST experience.
KW - Alternative theories
KW - Atomic wave interferometry
KW - Einstein Equivalence Principle
KW - Fundamental physics
KW - General relativity
KW - Gravitational redshift
KW - Microwave frequency link
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84916943085&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.asr.2014.07.014
DO - 10.1016/j.asr.2014.07.014
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84916943085
VL - 55
SP - 501
EP - 524
JO - Advances in space research
JF - Advances in space research
SN - 0273-1177
IS - 1
ER -