Universe ID: 11093

Atomic Interferometry

Released on October 11, 2012

Einstein predicted gravity waves in his general theory of relativity, but to date these ripples in the fabric of space-time have never been observed. Now a scientific research technique called Atomic Interferometry is trying to re-write the canon. In conjunction with researchers at Stanford University, scientists at NASA Goddard are developing a system to measure the faint gravitational vibrations generated by movement of massive objects in the universe. The scientific payoff could be important, helping better clarify key issues in our understanding of cosmology. But application payoff could be substantial, too, with the potential to develop profound advances in fields like geolocation and timekeeping. In this video we examine how the system would work, and the scientific underpinnings of the research effort.

Credits

Michael Starobin (HTSI): Video Editor
Babak Siaf (NASA/GSFC): Interviewee
Michael Starobin (HTSI): Narrator
Michael Starobin (HTSI): Producer
Swarupa Nune (Vantage): Project Support
Rob Andreoli (Advocates in Manpower Management, Inc.): Videographer

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Short URL to share this page:
https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/11093

Keywords:
SVS >> HDTV
SVS >> Laser
GCMD >> Earth Science >> Atmosphere >> Atmospheric Pressure >> Gravity Wave
DLESE >> Narrated
SVS >> Atom
NASA Science >> Universe
SVS >> Atomic Interferometry
SVS >> LIGO
SVS >> Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)
SVS >> Relativity

GCMD keywords can be found on the Internet with the following citation: Olsen, L.M., G. Major, K. Shein, J. Scialdone, S. Ritz, T. Stevens, M. Morahan, A. Aleman, R. Vogel, S. Leicester, H. Weir, M. Meaux, S. Grebas, C.Solomon, M. Holland, T. Northcutt, R. A. Restrepo, R. Bilodeau, 2013. NASA/Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Earth Science Keywords. Version 8.0.0.0.0