Atom-interferometry constraints on dark energy

• DOI: 10.1126/science.aaa8883
• Publication Date: 2015-08-20T18:17:20Z
• Authors: P. Hamilton; M. Jaffe; P. Haslinger; Q. Simmons; H. Müller; J. Khoury
• Keywords: Fifth force; Atom interferometer

If dark energy --- which drives the accelerated expansion of universe consists a light scalar field, it might be detectable as "fifth force" between normal-matter objects, in potential conflict with precision tests gravity. Chameleon fields and other theories screening mechanisms, however, can evade these by suppressing forces regions high density, such laboratory. Using cesium matter-wave interferometer near spherical mass an ultra-high vacuum chamber, we reduce mechanism probing field individual atoms rather than bulk matter. Thus, constrain wide class theories, including range chameleon that reproduce observed cosmic acceleration.