Relativistic deviation equations and their application: Probing gravity with structured test bodies

• Applicant: Dr. Dirk Puetzfeld
• Subject Area: Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, Fields
• Term: from 2017 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 369402949

Within the present project we were able to work out deviation equations for a very large class of geometries. Furthermore, we were able to explicitly show, how the gravitational field can be measured by means of suitably prepared test bodies and clocks. In particular, operational consequences for relativistic gravity and relativistic geodesy were worked out. The new research in this proposal will deal with further applications in the context of a measuring device termed ``gravitational compass'' and its unified description. With this prolongation of the project we would like to further open up for us this interesting and important area of research on the basis of our findings.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Ireland, Russia
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr. Peter Hogan; Professor Dr. Yuri N. Obukhov