Speaker
Description
"Atom interferometry has emerged as a powerful tool to probe gravitational physics with unprecedented precision. In this talk, I will present two distinct experimental efforts that, while targeting different fundamental questions, share this common methodology.
The first experiment, MEGANTE, addresses a long-standing challenge in metrology: the precise determination of the gravitational constant G. Unlike approaches based on classical instruments, MEGANTE uses cold rubidium atoms and atom interferometry to achieve a target precision of 10 ppm. After a brief introductory overview of the experiment's concept, I will present the recent results concerning the design and implementation of the experimental apparatus.
The second part of the talk will focus on the QUPLAS experiment, which aims to test the Einstein Equivalence Principle and CPT symmetry by measuring the gravitational acceleration of positronium in free fall, which represent an interesting probe mass, alternative and complementary to antihydrogen. In this context I will discuss the design, simulation and optimization of a Large Momentum Transfer (LMT) Mach-Zehnder interferometer used to reveal the influence of the Earth's gravitational field through the relationship that binds the phase shift of the wave function of Ps to the gravitational acceleration. "
