Testing Lorentz invariance using an odd-parity asymmetric optical resonator

Journal Article · Sat Oct 15 04:00:00 EDT 2011 · Physical Review. D, Particles Fields

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVD.84.081101· OSTI ID:21607844

Baynes, Fred N; Luiten, Andre N; Tobar, Michael E ^[1]

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1. Frequency Standards and Metrology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009 (Australia)

We present the first experimental test of Lorentz invariance using the frequency difference between counter-propagating modes in an asymmetric odd-parity optical resonator. This type of test is {approx}10{sup 4} more sensitive to odd-parity and isotropic (scalar) violations of Lorentz invariance than equivalent conventional even-parity experiments due to the asymmetry of the optical resonator. The disadvantages of odd-parity resonators have been negated by the use of counter-propagating modes, delivering a high level of immunity to environmental fluctuations. With a nonrotating experiment our result limits the isotropic Lorentz violating parameter {kappa}-tilde{sub tr} to 3.4{+-}6.2x10{sup -9}, the best reported constraint from direct measurements. Using this technique the bounds on odd-parity and scalar violations of Lorentz invariance can be improved by many orders of magnitude.

• OSTI ID: 21607844
• Journal Information: Physical Review. D, Particles Fields, Journal Name: Physical Review. D, Particles Fields Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 84; ISSN PRVDAQ; ISSN 0556-2821
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
ASYMMETRY
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FLUCTUATIONS
IMMUNITY
INVARIANCE PRINCIPLES
LORENTZ INVARIANCE
PARITY
PARTICLE PROPERTIES
RESONATORS
VARIATIONS