Progress in a Vacuum Weight Search Experiment

Abstract

We present the status of the art of the Archimedes experiment, devoted to measuring the debated interaction of quantum vacuum fluctuations and gravity. The method is essentially the weighing of the transition energy of a layered superconductor where the contribution of vacuum energy to the transition energy is expected to be relevant. The transition is obtained by modulating the temperature of the superconducting sample at a frequency of about 10 mHz and the expected change of weight is measured with a suitably designed high sensitivity cryogenic beam balance. In this paper, we present an overview of the experiment, discussing the expected signal to be measured, and presenting in particular the result of a prototype balance operated in our present laboratory. In the frequency range of the measurement, the sensitivity is affected mainly by seismic, thermal, sensor, and control noise. We discuss these points showing in particular the design of the cryogenic apparatus, the final balance, and the quiet seismic site that will host the final measurement.

Comment on "Casimir effect in a weak gravitational field: Schwinger's approach"

“…With the present result the authors seek to solve the current debate, as it is of relevance in the context of vacuum weight experiments [9], where the space-time to be considered is of the form (11)(i.e. Schwarzschild weak field approximation), and thus directly related to this discussion.…”

Null second order corrections to Casimir energy in weak gravitational field

“…The Casimir effect is now a highly accepted phenomenon, with first accurate measurements emerging by the end of the 1990 decade, with [2,3], while more modern experimental progresses are also present, see for example [4][5][6][7][8]. An experimental discussion that is closely related to the contents of this manuscript is the discussion of vacuum weight experiments [9].…”

Null second order corrections to Casimir energy in weak gravitational field: the Schwinger's approach

“…As a concrete example, [34] speculates a bound for a Lorentz violating parameter that is stated to be lower than it's predecessors, will that still hold if the current analysis is taken in consideration? The present discussion is also of direct importance to the vacuum weight Archimedes experiment described in [9], as our result suggests that bigger accuracy may be needed for the apparatus.…”