Laboratory limit on the charge of photons by electric field deflection

2012/09/07 by Andrew Hankins, A. Hankins, C. Rackson +4
Decision Sciences · Physics and Astronomy · #Force Microscopy Techniques and Applications #Mechanical and Optical Resonators #Scientific Measurement and Uncertainty Evaluation #physics.class-ph #physics.optics

paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1209.2052

arxiv created 2012/09/07 · arxiv updated 2012/09/11

Abstract

The deflection of a laser beam traveling through a modulated electric field is measured using phase-sensitive detection to place an upper bound on photon charge. An upper limit of 10^-14e is obtained. The experiment involves a number of experimental techniques that are commonly encountered in modern precision measurements and is suitable for both advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students in physical science as a laboratory exercise.

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