Determination of the gravitational constant G

A precise knowledge of the Newtonian gravitational constant G has an important role in physics and is of considerable meteorological interest. Although G was the first physical constant to be introduced and measured in the history of science, it is still the least precisely determined of all the fundamental constants of nature. The 2002 CODATA recommended value for G, G = (6.6742 ± 0.0010) × 10⁻¹¹m³ · kg⁻¹ · s⁻², has an uncertainty of 150 parts per million (ppm), much larger than that of all other fundamental constants. Reviewed here is the status of our knowledge of the absolute value of G, methods for determining G, and recent high precision experiments for determining G.     

Fundamental constants in singularity-free five-dimensional Kaluza-Klein cosmological model

Expressions for the time dependence of the fundamental constants are derived through dimensional reduction and one-loop quantum corrections to scalar fields. Moreover, singularity-free solutions of Einstein's field equations are obtained. Using these solutions, we discuss the time dependence of fundamental constants. It is interesting to see that the fine structure constant asymptotically approaches to 1/137,G _eff (effective four-dimensional constant) approachesG _N (Newtonian gravitational constant), and _eff vanishes. Graphical representations of these results are also given for a special case.     

Fundamental physical constants and their stability: A review

The choice, nature, classification, and precision of determination of fundamental physical constants are described. The problem of temporal variations is also discussed. The need for further determination of absolute measurements ofG and time variations of the gravitational constant is pointed out.     

Bulk Viscous Bianchi-III Models with Time Dependent G and?Λ

Bulk Viscous anisotropic Bianchi-III cosmological models are investigated with time dependent gravitational and cosmological constants in the framework of Einstein’s general relativity. In order to get some useful information about the time varying nature of G and Λ, we have assumed an exponentially decaying rest energy density of the universe. The extracted Newtonian gravitational constant G varies with time but its time varying nature depends on bulk viscosity and the anisotropic nature of the model. The cosmological constant Λ is found to decrease with time to a small but positive value for the models.     

Essay on gravitation: Present-time variation of Newton's gravitational constant in superstring theories

Superstring theories provide an appropriate framework for studying the time variation of fundamental coupling constants. The present time variation of coupling constants in Superstring theories with currently favorable internal backgrounds critically depends on the shape of the potential for the size of internal space. If the potential is almost flat, as in perturbation theory to all orders, the present value of ¦/G¦ for Newton's gravitational constant is calculable and estimated to be 1×10^–11±1yr^–1, which is just at the edge of the present observational bound for/G. If the potential has a minimum with finite curvature due to unknown nonperturbative effects,/G will become unobservably small. The improvement of the measurement of/G of 1 or 2 orders of magnitude would discriminate between the two situations. Problems with the time variation of other coupling constants are also discussed.This essay received the fourth award from the Gravity Research Foundation for the year 1987-Ed.     

Atom interferometry gravity-gradiometer for the determination of the Newtonian gravitational constant G

We developed a gravity-gradiometer based on atom interferometry for the determination of the Newtonian gravitational constant G. The apparatus, combining a Rb fountain, Raman interferometry and a juggling scheme for fast launch of two atomic clouds, was specifically designed to reduce possible systematic effects. We present instrument performances and preliminary results for the measurement of G with a relative uncertainty of 1%. A discussion of projected accuracy for G measurement using this new scheme shows that the results of the experiment will be significant to discriminate between previous inconsistent values.     

万有引力常数G精确测量实验进展

万有引力常数G是人类历史上引入的第一个基本物理学常数,其在理论物理、天体物理和地球物理等许多领域中扮演着重要角色.两百多年来,人们共测量出了200多个G值,但G的测量精度仍然是所有物理学常数中最差的,这一现象反映了测G工作本身的复杂性和困难性.本文简要概述了G值测量的意义和测G的历史,并结合自2010年以来国际上新出现的三个高精度测G实验介绍这一领域的研究进展,以及华中科技大学引力实验中心测G工作的最新动态.     

Note on the natural system of units

We propose to substitute Newton’s constant G _N for another constant G ₂, as if the gravitational force would fall off with the 1/r law, instead of the 1/r ²; so we describe a system of natural units with G ₂, c and ℏ. We adjust the value of G ₂ so that the fundamental length L = L _Pl is still the Planck’s length and so G _N = L × G ₂. We argue for this system as (1) it would express longitude, time and mass without square roots; (2) G ₂ is in principle disentangled from gravitation, as in (2 + 1) dimensions there is no field outside the sources. So G ₂ would be truly universal; (3) modern physics is not necessarily tied up to (3 + 1)-dim. scenarios and (4) extended objects with p = 2 (membranes) play an important role both in M-theory and in F-theory, which distinguishes three (2, 1) dimensions. As an alternative we consider also the clash between gravitation and quantum theory; the suggestion is that non-commutative geometry [x _i , x _j ] = Λ² θ _ij would cure some infinities and improve black hole evaporation. Then the new length Λ shall determine, among other things, the gravitational constant G _N.     

A dynamical model for gravitation

A gravitational model is proposed that relates the terrestrially measured value of the gravitational constantG directly to the density and angular velocity of the galaxy. The model indicates a constant scalar value forG within most regions of our galaxy, but predicts thatG will be different in other galaxies and zero in intergalactic space. The model offers explanations for galactic cluster stability, discrepancies in terrestrial measurements ofG, and atomic particle stability. The model also provides a causal relationship between strong, electromagnetic, weak, and gravitational interactions. The two postulates required for the proposed model reduce to two assumptions made in GRT in regions whereG is constant; these postulates are consistent with the existence of a 2.7 K blackbody background radiation.     

Cosmology withG and Λ coupling scalars

Cosmology with the gravitational and cosmological constants generalized as coupling scalars in Einstein's theory is considered. A general method of solving the field equations is given. Fifteen exact solutions for zero pressure models satisfyingG=G ₀(R/R ₀) ⁿ are given in the Appendix; they are briefly discussed.     

Cosmic-coincidence problem and variable constants of physics

The standard model of cosmology is investigated using a time-dependent cosmological constant Λ and Newton gravitational constant G. The total energy content is described by the modified Chaplygin gas equation of state. It is found that the time-dependent constants coupled with the modified Chaplygin gas interpolate between the earlier matter to the later dark-energy dominated phase of the universe. We also achieve a convergence of the parameter ω→−1, almost at the present time. Thus our model fairly alleviates the cosmic-coincidence problem, which demands ω=−1 at the present time.     

Nonlinear Wave Methods for Charge Transport,by Luis L. Bonilla and Stephen W. Teitsworth

This article reviews recent work on the possible variability of basic physical constants, such as the charge of the electron e, Planck's constant h and the gravitational constant G. The problem was first raised by Dirac as early as 1937. Its present state is here discussed, together with new suggestions which include Gamow's hypothesis that the fine-structure constant varies directly with time (e²/hc ∞ t), the hypothesis (e² ∞t, h ∞ t, G ∞ t) and the hypothesis (e⁴ ∞ t, h² ∞t, G=constant).

The conclusion is that at the present time the invariability of the charge of the electron and Planck's constant is hardly to be questioned, whereas the invariability of the constant of gravitation cannot be considered as finally proved. Some recent geological data point to a possible change in G with time.     

Space clocks and fundamental tests: The ACES experiment

In this article we give an overview of the applications of ultrastable clocks in space. We focus on the case of the ESA space mission ACES, which is scheduled for flight onboard the international space station in 2013. With a laser cooled cesium clock, PHARAO, a space hydrogen maser, SHM, and a precise time and frequency transfer system, MWL, several precision tests in fundamental physics can be performed such as a measurement of Einstein’s gravitational frequency shift with 2 ppm sensitivity and a search for time variations of the fundamental physical constants at 10^-17/year. We present the advancement of the various mission instruments and present briefly applications in geodesy and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).     

Measuring the gravitational acceleration of antimatter with an antihydrogen interferometer

The gravitational force on antimatter has never been directly measured. A method is suggested for making this measurement by directing a low-energy beam of neutral antihydrogen atoms through a transmission-grating interferometer and measuring the gravitationally-induced phase shift in the interference pattern. A 1% measurement of the acceleration due to the Earth's gravitational field (¯ g) should be possible from a beam of about 10⁵ or 10⁶ atoms. If more antihydrogen can be made, a much more precise measurement of¯ g would be possible. A method is suggested for producing an antihydrogen beam appropriate for this experiment.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">C</Emphasis>-field Cosmological Models with Variable <Emphasis Type="Italic">G</Emphasis> in FRW Space–Time

C-field cosmological models based on Hoyle-Narlikar theory with variable gravitational constant G in the frame work of FRW (Friedmann-Robertson-Walker) space–time for positive and negative curvatures are investigated. To get the deterministic solutions in terms of cosmic time t, we have assumed G=R ⁿ and discussed for n=−1, −2, R being scalar factor. In both the cases, creation field C increases with time, the gravitational constant G and matter density (ρ) decrease with time in the model (21). In the model (41) G decreases with time and matter density (ρ) is constant. The other physical aspects of the models are also discussed.     

Gravitational potential in fractional space

In this paper the gravitational potential with β-th order fractional mass distribution was obtained in α dimensionally fractional space. We show that the fractional gravitational universal constant G _α is given by , where G is the usual gravitational universal constant and the dimensionality of the space is α > 2.      

Periodic Distribution of Galaxies in Generalized Scalar Tensor Theory

With the help of Nordtvedt's scalar tensor theory an exact analytic model of a non–minimally coupled scalar field cosmology in which the gravitational coupling G and the Hubble factor H oscillate during the radiation era is presented. A key feature is that the oscillations are confined to the early stages of the radiation dominated era with G approaching its present constant value while H becoming a monotonically decreasing function of time. The Brans Dicke parameter is chosen to be a function of Brans Dicke scalar field so that no conflict with observational constraints regarding its present value arises.     

Axiomatic approach to the cosmological constant

A theory of the cosmological constant Λ is currently out of reach. Still, one can start from a set of axioms that describe the most desirable properties a cosmological constant should have. This can be seen in certain analogy to the Khinchin axioms in information theory, which fix the most desirable properties an information measure should have and that ultimately lead to the Shannon entropy as the fundamental information measure on which statistical mechanics is based. Here we formulate a set of axioms for the cosmological constant in close analogy to the Khinchin axioms, formally replacing the dependence of the information measure on probabilities of events by a dependence of the cosmological constant on the fundamental constants of nature. Evaluating this set of axioms one finally arrives at a formula for the cosmological constant given by , where G is the gravitational constant, m_e the electron mass, and α_el the low-energy limit of the fine structure constant. This formula is in perfect agreement with current WMAP data. Our approach gives physical meaning to the Eddington-Dirac large-number hypothesis and suggests that the observed value of the cosmological constant is not at all unnatural.     

Models of G time variations in diverse dimensions

A review of different cosmological models in diverse dimensions leading to a relatively small time variation in the effective gravitational constant G is presented. Among them: the 4-dimensional (4-D) general scalar-tensor model, the multidimensional vacuum model with two curved Einstein spaces, the multidimensional model with the multicomponent anisotropic “perfect fluid”, the S-brane model with scalar fields and two form fields, etc. It is shown that there exist different possible ways of explaining relatively small time variations of the effective gravitational constant G compatible with present cosmological data (e.g. acceleration): 4-dimensional scalar-tensor theories or multidimensional cosmological models with different matter sources. The experimental bounds on Ġ may be satisfied either in some restricted interval or for all allowed values of the synchronous time variable.