A Test of the Equivalence Principle using a Long-Period Torsion Balance

Author

Maneesh Jeyakumar, Washington University in St. LouisFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-15-2019

Author's School

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Author's Department

Physics

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Type

Dissertation

Abstract

The thesis describes an experimental test of Einstein’s Equivalence Principle using a long-period torsion balance. The instrument was operated for a period of ~ 5 months in a remote laboratory at Tyson Research Center. The angular orientation of the balance was recorded with an autocollimating optical lever. Environmental parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and humidity, were also recorded. The thesis focuses on the analysis of this data. Accordingly, novel image processing and tracking algorithms were developed to measure the deflections of the balance over the duration of the experiment. A model of the signal arising from any violation of the equivalence principle was developed and the data was analyzed to search for such signals. Finally, the results of the analysis are presented.

Language

English (en)

Chair and Committee

Ramanath Cowsik

Committee Members

Kater Murch, Henric Krawczynski, James Buckley, Rajan Chakrabarty,

Comments

Permanent URL: https://doi.org/10.7936/63ej-vy88

Recommended Citation

Jeyakumar, Maneesh, "A Test of the Equivalence Principle using a Long-Period Torsion Balance" (2019). Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1766.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/art_sci_etds/1766