Terrestrial vs. spaceborne, quantum vs. classical tests of the equivalence principle

The equivalence principle can be tested by precision experiments based on classical and quantum systems, on the ground as well as in space. In many models, these tests are mostly equivalent in their ability to constrain physics beyond the Standard Model. We mention differences that nevertheless exist between spaceborne and quantum mechanical tests and their conventional competitors.Comment: Four pages for the proceedings of the sixth meeting on CPT and Lorentz symmetr

Atom interferometry in an optical cavity

We propose and demonstrate a new scheme for atom interferometry, using light pulses inside an optical cavity as matter wave beamsplitters. The cavity provides power enhancement, spatial filtering, and a precise beam geometry, enabling new techniques such as low power beamsplitters ($<100 \mathrm{\mu W}$), large momentum transfer beamsplitters with modest power, or new self-aligned interferometer geometries utilizing the transverse modes of the optical cavity. As a first demonstration, we obtain Ramsey-Raman fringes with $>75\%$ contrast and measure the acceleration due to gravity, $\mathit{g}$, to $60 \mathrm{\mu \mathit{g} / \sqrt{Hz}}$ resolution in a Mach-Zehnder geometry. We use $>10^7$ cesium atoms in the compact mode volume ($600 \mathrm{\mu m}$ $1/e^2$ waist) of the cavity and show trapping of atoms in higher transverse modes. This work paves the way toward compact, high sensitivity, multi-axis interferometry.Comment: 5 pages, 6 figure

Building Student Engagement with Google Spaces

Google Spaces is an easy to setup group chat that could help with community building and communication. The presenter will demonstrate creating a Google Space. The presenter will also discuss the results of having used a Google Space with a class and brainstorm with participants uses for future classes

Effects of Jamestown-Yorktown\u27s Educational Program on Fourth Grade Students\u27 Standards of Learning Score in Virginia Studies

The purpose of this study was to determine if Jamestown-Yorktown\u27s educational program had an effect in fourth grade students\u27 Standards of Learning score in Virginia Studies