Neutron interferometry constrains dark energy chameleon fields

Abstract

We present phase shift measurements for neutron matter waves in vacuum and in low pressure Helium using a method originally developed for neutron scattering length measurements in neutron interferometry. We search for phase shifts associated with a coupling to scalar fields. We set stringent limits for a scalar chameleon field, a prominent quintessence dark energy candidate. We find that the coupling constant β is less than 1.9 ×10 7 for n = 1 at 95% confidence level, where n is an input parameter of the self-interaction of the chameleon field ϕ inversely proportional to ϕ n .

Precision experiments with cold and ultra-cold neutrons

“…[41]. Other limits on chameleon fields stem from neutron interferometer measurements [45,46] and atom interferometry [47], see also [49].…”

Comparison of ultracold neutron sources for fundamental physics measurements

“…The emergent discussion for dark matter and dark energy triggered further use of UCNs to search for exotic physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics, like searches for mirror matter [34][35][36], for Lorentz violation effects [37], for exotic interactions induced by axionlike particles [38][39][40][41][42], dark matter [43,44], or probing dark energy [45][46][47]. The sensitivities of all such UCN experiments depend directly on the total UCN statistics available in the measurement, hence on high UCN densities in sizeable storage vessels.…”

Cavity optomechanical spectroscopy constraints chameleon dark energy scenarios

“…Recent constraints from atom interferometry are shown by the blue lines [13,14]. The black line indicates limits from neutron interferometry (indicated by shadows) [11]. The constraint of the levitated microsphere experiment [17] are denoted by the red line.…”

“…These include torsion-balance experiments [7,8], gravity resonance spectroscopy [9,10]. Recent searches using microscopic test masses such as atom, neutron [11][12][13][14][15][16] and the levitated microspheres [17] often provide the strongest constraints.…”