A new test of the weak equivalence principle

The Eötvös, Dicke, and Braginski experiments do not rule out the recent suggestion that the weak equivalence principle (WEP) might be violated at intermediate ranges (10^–1 m r 10⁴ m). I briefly discuss the problems inherent in Eötvös-type apparatus in searches for WEP-violating forces (hyperforces) between laboratory masses and suggest an alternative detector free of such problems. The proposed detector is driven by a hyperforce torque at the rotational frequency. If the detector is tuned to this frequency, the signal, enhanced by resonance, may be detected synchronously. I derive the response equations for the detector and discuss how spurious responses due to gravity torques may be suppressed.This essay received the third award from the Gravity Research Foundation for the year 1986-Ed.