Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Quantum Tests Of The Einstein Equivalence Principle With The Ste-Quest Space Mission, Brett Altschul, Quentin G. Bailey, Luc Blanchet, Kai Bongs, Philippe Bouyer, Luigi Cacciapuoti, Et Al.

Publications

We present in detail the scientific objectives in fundamental physics of the Space–Time Explorer and QUantum Equivalence Space Test (STE–QUEST) space mission. STE–QUEST was pre-selected by the European Space Agency together with four other missions for the cosmic vision M3 launch opportunity planned around 2024. It carries out tests of different aspects of the Einstein Equivalence Principle using atomic clocks, matter wave interferometry and long distance time/frequency links, providing fascinating science at the interface between quantum mechanics and gravitation that cannot be achieved, at that level of precision, in ground experiments. We especially emphasize the specific strong interest of performing …