Testing long-distance modifications of gravity to 100 AU
Published in Physical Review D, 2015
Recommended citation: B. Buscaino, D. DeBra, P. W. Graham, G. Gratta, and T. D. Wiser, Phys. Rev. D92, 104048 (2015), arXiv:1508.06273 [gr-qc]. http://arxiv.org/abs/1508.06273
Abstract: There are very few direct experimental tests of the inverse square law of gravity at distances comparable to the scale of the Solar System and beyond. Here we describe a possible space mission optimized to test the inverse square law at a scale of up to 100 AU. For example, sensitivity to a Yukawa correction with a strength of 10^−7 times gravity and length scale of 100 AU is within reach, improving the current state of the art by over two orders of magnitude. This experiment would extend our understanding of gravity to the largest scale that can be reached with a direct probe using known technology. This would provide a powerful test of long-distance modifications of gravity including many theories motivated by dark matter or dark energy.
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