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Physics

World's most sensitive force sensor measures in ‘quectonewtons’

The quantum behaviours of extremely cold rubidium atoms can be used to detect forces smaller than a tenth of what is needed to lift a single electron

By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

1 November 2023

Six laser beams cool and trap atoms before sending them into the interferometer

Six laser beams cool and trap atoms before sending them into the interferometer

ESA/G. Porter

A sensor made from extremely cold atoms can detect forces as small as a millionth septillionth of the gravitational force on an apple falling from a tree. It could help reveal the existence of completely new forces in the future.

All known forces stem from four fundamental ones – gravity, electromagnetism and the strong and weak nuclear forces. But attempts to explain mysteries of the universe, such as what dark matter is, often suggest that there may be…

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