AION: an atom interferometer observatory and network
Abstract
We outline the experimental concept and key scientific capabilities of AION (Atom Interferometer Observatory and Network), a proposed experimental programme using cold strontium atoms to search for ultra-light dark matter, to explore gravitational waves in the mid-frequency range between the peak sensitivities of the LISA and LIGO/Virgo/ KAGRA/INDIGO/Einstein Telescope/Cosmic Explorer experiments, and to probe other frontiers in fundamental physics. AION would complement other planned searches for dark matter, as well as probe mergers involving intermediate-mass black holes and explore early-universe cosmology. AION would share many technical features with the MAGIS experimental programme, and synergies would flow from operating AION in a network with this experiment, as well as with other atom interferometer experiments such as MIGA, ZAIGA and ELGAR. Operating AION in a network with other gravitational wave detectors such as LIGO, Virgo and LISA would also offer many synergies.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
- Pub Date:
- May 2020
- DOI:
- 10.1088/1475-7516/2020/05/011
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1911.11755
- Bibcode:
- 2020JCAP...05..011B
- Keywords:
-
- Astrophysics - Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics;
- General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology;
- High Energy Physics - Experiment;
- High Energy Physics - Phenomenology;
- Physics - Atomic Physics
- E-Print:
- v3: Update to match published version in JCAP