Fundamental Physics with a State-of-the-Art Optical Clock in Space

Published

July 21, 2022

Author(s)

Andrei Derevianko, Kurt Gibble, Leo Hollberg, Nathan R. Newbury, Chris Oates, Marianna Safranova, Laura Sinclair

Abstract

Recent advances in optical atomic clocks and optical time transfer have enabled new possibilities in precision metrology for both tests of fundamental physics and timing applications. Here we describe a space mission concept that would place a state-of-the-art optical atomic clock in an eccentric orbit around Earth. A high stability laser link would connect the relative time, range, and velocity of the orbiting spacecraft to earthbound stations. The primary goal for this mission would be to test the gravitational redshift, a classical test of general relativity, with a sensitivity 30,000 times beyond current limits. Additional science objectives include other tests of relativity, enhanced searches for dark matter and drifts in fundamental constants, and establishing a high accuracy international time/geodesic reference.

Citation

Quantum Science and Technology

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

optical clock, relativity, time tranfser

Citation

Derevianko, A. , Gibble, K. , Hollberg, L. , Newbury, N. , Oates, C. , Safranova, M. and Sinclair, L. (2022), Fundamental Physics with a State-of-the-Art Optical Clock in Space, Quantum Science and Technology, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=933957 (Accessed October 22, 2025)