A Search for Lorentz-Violating Spin-Gravity Couplings Using Polarized Neutron Interferometry

In 1975 Collela, Overhauser, and Werner demonstrated the accessibility of gravitationally-induced phase shifts in quantum systems using perfect silicon crystal neutron interferometry [1]. Measurement of this effect has been made using the OffSpec instrument (ISIS-RAL) in spin-echo mode to act as a polarized neutron interferometer [2] and has recently resulted in the publication of constraints on exotic Z' boson couplings [3]. New theoretical work describing Lorentz-symmetry violation in the spin-dependent matter-gravity sector of the Standard Model Extension (SME) [4] provides the opportunity to search for new interactions through time-series analysis of previously collected data. An overview of the experimental technique will be presented within the context of the SME.

References

1. [1]  R. Colella, A.W. Overhauser, S.A. Werner, Phys. Rev. Lett. 34 (1975) 1472.
   
   [2]  V.O. de Haan, J. Plomp, A.A. van Well, M. Th. Rekveldt, Y. H. Hasegawa, R.M. Dalgliesh, N.J. Steinke, Phys. Rev. A 89(2014) 063611
   
   [3]  S.R. Parnell, A.A. van Well, J. Plomp, R.M. Dalgliesh, N.-J. Steinke, J.F.K. Cooper, N. Geerits, K.E. Steffen, W.M. Snow, V.O. de Haan, Phys. Rev. D 101(2020) 122002
   
   [4]  V. Alan Kosteleck and Zonghao Li, arXiv:2106.11293