Abstract.
We developed a gravity-gradiometer based on atom interferometry for the determination of the Newtonian gravitational constant G. The apparatus, combining a Rb fountain, Raman interferometry and a juggling scheme for fast launch of two atomic clouds, was specifically designed to reduce possible systematic effects. We present instrument performances and preliminary results for the measurement of G with a relative uncertainty of 1%. A discussion of projected accuracy for G measurement using this new scheme shows that the results of the experiment will be significant to discriminate between previous inconsistent values.
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Bertoldi, A., Lamporesi, G., Cacciapuoti, L. et al. Atom interferometry gravity-gradiometer for the determination of the Newtonian gravitational constant G. Eur. Phys. J. D 40, 271–279 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2006-00212-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2006-00212-2