Test of Lorentz invariance with spin precession of ultracold neutrons

I. Altarev, C. A. Baker, G. Ban, G. Bison, K. Bodek, M. Daum, P. Fierlinger, P. Geltenbort, K. Green, M. G.D. Van Der Grinten, E. Gutsmiedl, P. G. Harris, W. Heil, R. Henneck, M. Horras, P. Iaydjiev, S. N. Ivanov, N. Khomutov, K. Kirch, S. KistrynA. Knecht, P. Knowles, A. Kozela, F. Kuchler, M. Kuźniak, T. Lauer, B. Lauss, T. Lefort, A. Mtchedlishvili, O. Naviliat-Cuncic, A. Pazgalev, J. M. Pendlebury, G. Petzoldt, E. Pierre, G. Pignol, G. Quéméner, M. Rebetez, D. Rebreyend, S. Roccia, G. Rogel, N. Severijns, D. Shiers, Yu Sobolev, A. Weis, J. Zejma, G. Zsigmond

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Abstract

A clock comparison experiment, analyzing the ratio of spin precession frequencies of stored ultracold neutrons and Hg199 atoms, is reported. No daily variation of this ratio could be found, from which is set an upper limit on the Lorentz invariance violating cosmic anisotropy field b <2 ×10-20eV (95% C.L.). This is the first limit for the free neutron. This result is also interpreted as a direct limit on the gravitational dipole moment of the neutron |gn|<0.3eV/c2m from a spin-dependent interaction with the Sun. Analyzing the gravitational interaction with the Earth, based on previous data, yields a more stringent limit |gn|<3×10-4eV/c2m.

Original languageEnglish
Article number081602
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume103
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 20 Aug 2009
Externally publishedYes

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