A lab-based test of the gravitational redshift with a miniature clock network.

ABSTRACT: Einstein's theory of general relativity predicts that a clock at a higher gravitational potential will tick faster than an otherwise identical clock at a lower potential, an effect known as the gravitational redshift. Here we perform a laboratory-based, blinded test of the gravitational redshift using differential clock comparisons within an evenly spaced array of 5 atomic ensembles spanning a height difference of 1 cm. We measure a fractional frequency gradient of [ - 12.4 ± 0. 7_(stat) ± 2. 5_(sys)] × 10^-19/cm, consistent with the expected redshift gradient of - 10.9 × 10^-19/cm. Our results can also be viewed as relativistic gravitational potential difference measurements with sensitivity to mm scale changes in height on the surface of the Earth.

SUBMITTER: Zheng X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10423269 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature