BWhat changed
Albers and colleagues compared the free-fall acceleration of simultaneously operated rubidium-87 and potassium-39 matter-wave interferometers. After correcting estimated systematic shifts, they reported an Eötvös ratio of −1.9 × 10⁻⁷ with combined standard uncertainty 3.2 × 10⁻⁷, consistent with equal acceleration within that uncertainty.
Scientific scope
Albers and colleagues compared the free-fall acceleration of simultaneously operated rubidium-87 and potassium-39 matter-wave interferometers. After correcting estimated systematic shifts, they reported an Eötvös ratio of −1.9 × 10⁻⁷ with combined standard uncertainty 3.2 × 10⁻⁷, consistent with equal acceleration within that uncertainty. The experiment tests the particular atomic species and apparatus at the stated sensitivity; it does not prove the full equivalence principle or quantum gravity. The authors estimate a Zeeman correction of −1.3 × 10⁻⁶ and a dominant 3 × 10⁻⁷ wavefront-aberration uncertainty based on optical modeling; their reported combined uncertainty assumes systematic contributions are uncorrelated at the stated level. Statistical instability is 9 × 10⁻⁸ after 8192 seconds, not the total uncertainty. Earlier 2014 measurements with the same species and proposed future sensitivities are distinct from this improved 2020 result. Raw measurements and numerical sensitivity models were not independently replayed.
Evidence
The linked original works support the scoped statement and contribution attribution. WRS has not independently replayed experiments or reconstructed a full mathematical proof. The experiment tests the particular atomic species and apparatus at the stated sensitivity; it does not prove the full equivalence principle or quantum gravity. The authors estimate a Zeeman correction of −1.3 × 10⁻⁶ and a dominant 3 × 10⁻⁷ wavefront-aberration uncertainty based on optical modeling; their reported combined uncertainty assumes systematic contributions are uncorrelated at the stated level. Statistical instability is 9 × 10⁻⁸ after 8192 seconds, not the total uncertainty. Earlier 2014 measurements with the same species and proposed future sensitivities are distinct from this improved 2020 result. Raw measurements and numerical sensitivity models were not independently replayed.
Contributors
- The named authors in the research record · SCIENCE: These are the listed authors of the cited contribution sources. Paper authorship does not quantify individual effort. An incomplete list is explicitly marked; same names are not automatically merged.
Provisional WRS assessment, edition 2026-10-28.1. Independent expert calibration is pending. This grade does not certify correctness or assign ownership.
Full scientific record · Browse contribution grades · Request a correction