E N D
GAUGE GrAnd Unification and Gravity Explorer
Consortium K. Aplin1, R.J. Bingham1, M. Caldwell1, A.M. Cruise2, P. D’Arrigo3, H. Dittus4, J. Hough5, P. Jetzer6, N. Lockerbie7, F. Loeffler8, J. Mester9, C. Pegrum7, D. Shaul10, T. J. Sumner10, S. Theil4, C. Torrie5, P. Touboul11, C. Trenkel10, S. Vitale12, W. Vodel13, C. Wang14, H. Ward5 • 1RAL, UK • 2University of Birmingham, UK • 3EADS Astrium, Stevenage, UK • 4ZARM, University of Bremen, DE • 5University of Glasgow, UK • 6ITP, University of Zurich, CH • 7University of Strathclyde, UK • 8PTB, Braunschweig, DE • 9University of Stanford, US • 10Imperial College London, UK • 11ONERA, Paris, FR • 12University of Trento, IT • 13University of Jena, UK • 14University of Aberdeen, UK
Background • ESA Cosmic Vision call for ideas (2004): approx. 50 ideas submitted, separately, in the area of “Fundamental Physics” • Informal feedback: in some cases significant overlap between proposed ideas → community should unite behind a few, strong proposals • Now: call for Cosmic Vision Mission Proposals in the near future…
Scientific Motivation GAUGE: Combine experiments that address key issues at the interface between gravity and quantum interactions Currently considered (NOT EXHAUSTIVE OR EXCLUSIVE): • Equivalence Principle tests • G/ISL measurements • Search for spin-dependent effects • Decoherence in Atom Interferometers • …?
Experiment concepts(to be selected from …) • EP measurement – Microscope, STEP – studied extensively within ESA/NASA • Microscope 1 part in 1015 • STEP 1 part in 1018
Disagreement 2x10-4 (Quinn et al. 2001) Experiment concepts - II • G and 1/r2 – STEP, ISLAND – better than 1 part in 105 • (Possibility of LISAPF G measurement – 1 part in 104)
Experiment concepts - III • Spin-dependent effects – STEP, SSPIN
laser beam laser beam spacetime fluctuations atom beam laser beam laser beam detector fringe analyzer Experiment concepts - IV • Quantum decoherence - HYPER
Common technologies All potential experiments require • Drag-free environment • Precision displacement sensing of “proof-masses” • Magnetic (SQUIDS) • Electrostatic (Capacitive sensing) • Optical (Interferometry) • Cold atoms (Interferometry)
Heritage • Readout • Magnetic GP-B, STEP • Optical / Capacitive LISAPF, Microscope • Cold Atom HYPER + ground • Spacecraft • Bus – LISAPF • Drag-free – LISAPF + LTP • Space Experience within team • Astrium / Birmingham / Imperial / Onera / RAL / Stanford / Trento / ZARM
Mission Concept • Provide drag-free environment using LISAPF bus with LTP inertial sensor • Modular experiment bays – different environments possible • Launch into LEO sun-synchronous orbit with VEGA • Thermal Stability • Earth as Source
Some key dates • VEGA maiden flight: end 2007 • LISA PF success demonstrated: end 2010 … even allowing for delays, this should happen in time for mission in 2015-2025
“Recipe” for success • Launcher, Spacecraft Bus and Drag-free Platform: existing technology • Payload: choose according to • Scientific Merit • Feasibility • Affordability • Inevitable Compromise
Plans • Submit Cosmic Vision Mission Proposal to ESA (deadline Summer 2007) • So far at UK level: well-received presentation to national Research Council (PPARC) • Several meetings planned in the near future: • Experimental concepts input and definition of Science Team • Experimental layout definition • Initiate industry-led accommodation study
Summary • GAUGE is a mission at the interface of gravity and its unification with other interactions • Mature technology • Experienced team • Fits into medium mission cost envelope → open invitation to collaborators!
… if interested please contact t.sumner@imperial.ac.uk