Test of Lorentz invariance using rotating ultra-stable optical cavities

Abstract

We develop a rotating-optical-cavity apparatus to test Lorentz invariance in the photon sector of standard model extension. The system adopts a precision air-bearing turntable on which two 1064-nm lasers are referenced to two orthogonal 10-cm optical cavities embedded in a single block of glass. The heterodyne beat frequency of the two locked lasers is probed as the table rotates, and valid data of 119 days are accumulated. By fitting the data to the predication of the test model, eight Lorentz violating parameters (β⊕κo+XY, β⊕κo+XZ, β⊕κo+YZ, κe-ZZ, κe-XX-YY, κe-XY, κe-XZ, κe-YZ) are constrained with precision at the level of 10−17. Uncertainties of the experimental values of five κe- parameter show a 1/t decreasing trend with the measurement time. Influences of systematic effects on the test accuracy are investigated. The system is planned to run for more than one year, allowing for improved precision.