Null Test of Newton's Law of Gravitation on a 100-Micrometer Scale

University Of Maryland, College Park, College Park MD

Investigators

Abstract

The objective of this research is to test Newton's inverse-square law of gravitation with a resolution of 1 part in 1000 in the range near 100 micrometers. To reach this sensitivity, the experiment will be cooled to 1.2 K and a highly sensitive superconducting accelerometer will be used to search for a signal from a carefully designed gravitational null source. Newton's law is a cornerstone of Einstein's General Relativity. However, this celebrated law has been challenged from several fronts of particle theories. In particular, a possible violation of the law at sub-millimeter ranges has recently been suggested by string theories. Confirmation or rejection of this prediction would have a major impact on our understanding of the universe.