The Possible Detection of Dark Energy on Earth Using Atom Interferometry

This paper describes the concept and the beginning of an experimental investigation of whether it is possible to directly detect dark energy density on earth using atom interferometry. The concept is to null out the gravitational force using a double interferometer. This research provides a non-astronomical path for research on dark energy. The application of this method to other hypothetical weak forces and fields is also discussed. In the the final section I discuss the advantages of carrying out a dark energy density search in a satellite in earth orbit where more precise nulling of gravitational forces can be achieved

The Practice of Experimental Physics - Recollections, Reflections, and Interpretations

This article is based on Martin L. Perl’s Nobel Prix 1995 paper, “Reflections on the Discovery of the Tau Lepton,” and is supplemented by excerpts from his presentation, “Reflections on Experimental Science,” to an audience of mainly young scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory on June 29, 1999. In both documents, Perl reflects on almost 50 years of experience in experimental science to pass on what he has learned, particularly to young people who are beginning scientific research

Search for neutral leptons

At present we know of three kinds of neutral leptons: the electron neutrino, the muon neutrino, and the tau neutrino. This paper reviews the search for additional neutral leptons. The method and significance of a search depends upon the model used for the neutral lepton being sought. Some models for the properties and decay modes of proposed neutral leptons are described. Past and present searches are reviewed. The limits obtained by some completed searches are given, and the methods of searches in progress are described. Future searches are discussed. 41 references

A Contrarian View of How to Develop Creativiity in Science and Engineering

This paper outlines what an individual engineer or scientist can do to increase her or his creativity. It then describes what educators can do and makes two proposals: (a) Reduce the number of courses required for undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering and science and (b) change the nature of laboratory courses and Ph. D. research so that students have the freedom to try out their own ideas, with the expectation that they will make mistakes and will both expand their creativity and learn more, by doing

Tau physics at future facilities

This paper dicusses and projects the tau research which may be carried out at CESR, at BEPC, at the SLC, in the next few years at LEP I, at the asymmetric B-factories under construction in Japan and the United States and, if built, a tau-charm factory. As the size of tau data sets increases, there is an increasing need to reduce the effects of systematic errors on the precision and search range of experiments. In most areas of tau physics there is a large amount of progress to be made, but in a few areas it will be difficult to substantially improve the precision of present measurements

Experiment and theory in particle physics: Reflections on the discovery of the tau lepton

This article is thoughts from the author on particle physics work from his perspective. It is not a summary of his work on the tau lepton, but rather a look at what makes good science, experimental and theoretical, from his experiences in the field. The section titles give a good summary on the topics the author chooses to touch upon. They are: the state of elementary particle physics; getting good ideas in experimental science; a difficult field; experiments and experimenting; 10% of the money and 30% of the time; the dictatorship of theory; technological dreams; last words