Our current best description of nature at the quantum scale is based on the Standard Model of particle physics (SM), while Einstein’s theory of relativity is based on a classical framework of space-time and describes cosmological scales. The fundamental incompatibility between the two descriptions is one of the big unsolved puzzles in physics. The existence of dark matter and dark energy and the apparent asymmetry between matter and antimatter are only two more of many more open questions that leave physicists puzzled.
QuantumFrontiers members Tanja Mehlstäubler and Piet Schmidt have now organised a Heraeus seminar from 23-27 September to discuss precision experiments to probe for New Physics that might hint towards solving these puzzles. With around 70 experts from different fields of physics, they brought together a highly interdisciplinary community including Nobel Prize winner, Eric Cornell.
Topics included tests of Einstein’s theory of relativity using precision measurements in laboratory and large scale experiments, e.g. using spectroscopy, atom and nanoscopic particle interferometers, lunar laser ranging and gravitational wave detectors. A particular focus laid on the search for 5th forces extending to cosmological observations, isotope shift spectroscopy of neutral atoms and ions interpreted via King plot analysis, torsion balances and free-falling macroscopic bodies.
