Quantum tests of the Einstein Equivalence Principle on ground and in space
Prof. Ernst Rasel (Hannover)

The Einstein equivalence principle is a corner stone of general relativity and therefore challenged with growing precision by experimental tests on ground [1,2] and in space [3,4]. In the recent past several atom-interferometric experiments were started with the aim to perform precise tests of the universality of free fall with quantum matter [5-9] displaying unique features such as a long coherence length or pure spin polarisation [10-12]. They aim to reduce the present sensitivity gap between current ground based tests and the performance anticipated for future space mission, such as STE-QUEST [4].

Acknowledgement: The M4 proposal of STE-QUEST was established by a consortium of European scientists under the lead of Peter Wolf. Part of the work is subject of the DRL project QUANTUS as well as of the SFB geo-Q.

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