Ultra-sensitive force sensing using nanospheres in an optical lattice

POSTER

Abstract

Some theories suggest that at small length scales, Yukawa-type deviations from Newtonian gravity may exist. This poster details the progress of an experiment designed to test for these deviations using silica nanospheres levitated in an optical lattice. The nanospheres are used as ultrasensitive force sensors by measuring their displacement when subjected to a changing gravitational force due to the nearby oscillation of a microfabricated test mass.

*This work is funded by NSF grant nos. PHY-1205994, PHY-1506431.

Authors

  • Kirsten Casey

    • Univ of Nevada - Reno
  • Gambhir Ranjit

    • Univ of Nevada - Reno
    • University of Nevada, Reno
  • Mark Cunningham

    • Univ of Nevada - Reno
  • Andrew Geraci

    • University of Nevada, Reno
    • Univ of Nevada - Reno