PICOMETER LASER GAUGING TO TEST GENERAL RELATIVITY

摘要

We have described the tracking frequency laser gauge in the context of a test of general relativity. The TFG is also applicable to manufacturing and to precision astronomical instruments, particularly those deployed in space. It has picometer accuracy, absolute distance as a natural extension, and it employs a simple modulated light source and a single beam in the measurement interferometer. The test of the UFF aspect of the equivalence principle (and thus of general relativity) establishes a transient microgravity environment in which we will be able to measure forces of 2X10~(-14) newton on macroscopic objects.