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A laboratory test and several geophysical tests conducted in the last decades of the 20th century suggested deviations from the inverse square distance dependence of Newton’s law of gravity. While further work has failed to substantiate these results, renewed interest in inverse square law tests of increased sensitivity has been stimulated by a wide range of new theoretical ideas. Of particular interest are tests at submillimeter ranges, which could reveal the existence of compact new dimensions accessible only to gravity. This paper reviews the current status of inverse square law tests, with emphasis on present and proposed experimental techniques.

We report progress on a program of gravitational physics experiments using cryogenic torsion pendula undergoing large-amplitude torsion oscillation. This program includes tests of the gravitational inverse square law and of the weak equivalence principle. Here we describe our ongoing search for inverse-square-law violation at a strength down to $10^{-5}$ of standard gravity. The low-vibration environment provided by the Battelle Gravitation Physics Laboratory (BGPL) is uniquely suited to this study., Comment: To be published in The Proceedings of the Francesco Melchiorri Memorial Conference as a special issue of New Astronomy Reviews

Empirical tests of Einstein's metric theory of gravitation, even in the non- relativistic, weak-field limit, could play an important role in judging theory-driven extensions of the current Standard Model of fundamental interactions. Guided by Galileo's work and his own experiments, Newton formulated a theory of gravity in which the force of attraction between two bodies is independent of composition and proportional to the inertia of each, thereby transparently satisfying Galileo's empirically informed conjecture regarding the Universality of Free Fall. Similarly, Einstein honored the manifest success of Newton's theory by assuring that the linearized equations of GTR matched the Newtonian formalism under "classical" conditions. Each of these steps, however, was explicitly an approximation raised to the status of principle. Perhaps, at some level, Newtonian gravity does not accurately describe the physical interaction between uncharged, unmagnetized, macroscopic bits of ordinary matter. What if Newton were wrong? Detecting any significant deviation from Newtonian behavior, no matter how small, could provide new insights and possibly reveal new physics. In the context of physics as an empirical science, for us this yet unanswered question constitutes sufficient motivation to attempt precision measurements of the kind described here. In this paper we report the current status of a project to search for violation of the Newtonian inverse square law of gravity.

The search for ever smaller violations of Einstein's weak equivalence principle continues to be an important experimental goal at the close of the 20th century, with string theory providing new motivations. Currently, the most sensitive laboratory and terrestrial-scale tests are carried out with instrumentation based on the 18th century concept of the torsion pendulum, but not with 18th century technology. The torsion pendulum has experienced a renaissance since the pioneering work of Robert Dicke in the early 1960s. This presentation describes a new observable associated with large-amplitude pendulum oscillations that provides measurement of extremely small torques with significant freedom from effects that may limit the traditional, non-cryogenic applications of the torsion pendulum.

We have investigated the stability of the pulse frequency second derivatives ($\ddot \nu $) of PSR 0823+26, PSR 1706-16, PSR 1749-28, PSR 2021+51 which show significant quadratic trends in their pulse frequency histories in order to determine whether the observed second derivatives are secular or they arise as part of noise processes. We have used TOA data extending to more than three decades which are the longest time spans ever taken into account in pulse timing analyses. We investigated the stability of pulse frequency second derivative in the framework of low resolution noise power spectra (Deeter 1984) estimated from the residuals of pulse frequency and TOA data. We have found that the $\ddot \nu $ terms of these sources arise from the red torque noise in the fluctuations of pulse frequency derivatives which may originate from the external torques from the magnetosphere of pulsar.

We report the pulse-timing history of PSR B0540-69, based on all applicable data from the Ginga X-ray observatory. Using these data, together with other, overlapping optical and X-ray observations, we have determined an improved value for the braking index, n=2.080, as well as a new estimate for the celestial position of PSR B0540-69. Our results are based on an analysis of local pulse frequencies, using a methodology designed to efficiently utilize the sparsely sampled observations of PSR B0540-69. This strategy rests on iteratively determining a sequence of successively more precise pulse ephemerides from successively more precise estimates of local pulse frequencies. We also present improved X-ray and optical pulse profiles and evidence for a close alignment between profiles in these two energy regimes. We may have detected a small, Crab-like glitch in the pulse frequency of this pulsar in a reanalysis of previously published optical data.

We observed Her X-1 using the Ginga observatory in the spring of 1989 with the primary intention of studying the evolution of the pulse profile through the course of the 35 day X-ray HIGH-LOW cycle in that source. These observations cover 16 separate days in two MAIN HIGH states and in the intervening SHORT HIGH state. We have augmented these data with four additional Ginga observations of Her X-1 taken for other purposes but useful for our study. We present light curves in the 1-37 keV energy band for the seven high states covered by these data together with a representative sample of pulse profiles. The signal-to-noise ratio for these profiles is generally excellent, and collectively they provide a sound base for studying the evolution of the pulse profile. Of particular utility is the 1989 May observation, which for the first time provides extensive coverage of a short high state at high photon counting rate. By combining pulse phase and frequency information from all three high state observations in 1989, we are able to determine the phase alignment of main high and short high pulse profiles with high confidence. We identify components in the Her X-1 pulse profile by their distinctive spectral signatures, and we establish the existence of a definite, repetitive pattern of pulse shape variations tied to the 35 day high-low cycle. Comparing pre-Ginga observations of pulse profiles superposed according to the 35 day phase indicates that this pattern has persisted over the past two decades. Moreover, the pulse phase alignment of the 1989 data allows the identification of components common to the main high and short high pulse profiles. One of the key elements of this pattern is the rapid change in pulse profile that occurs roughly 7 days into each main high state. In examining possible mechanisms for this interval of accelerated evolution, we are led to consider a class of models that involve dynamical changes in accretion flow geometry arising from neutron star obliquity. These models, however, suggest asymmetries in the X-ray illumination of the companion star that may conflict with extensive optical observations of the Her X-1 system. By contrast, kinematic changes in the geometrical aspect of obscuring matter flows near or within the magnetosphere that are tied to accretion disk precession provide a mechanism that may be consistent with observations.

Progress is reported from an oscillating torsion-pendulum experiment searching for gravitational inverse square law violation (ISLV) between macroscopic bodies with a separation of order 10 cm. An important design feature is the special mass configurations of both the pendulum and gravitational source. These provide high sensitivity to the horizontal derivative of the Laplacian of the gravitational potential, a unique signature of ISLV, while strongly suppressing couplings through Newtonian gravity that can mimic this signature.

We discuss two null experiments designed to test the inverse-square law of gravity in the critical range between and with higher precision than earlier work. To do so, we have devised a torsion pendulum detector whose mass distribution is specifically configured to provide high-sensitivity detection of a uniquely non-Newtonian derivative of the potential (the horizontal derivative of the Laplacian), rather than looking for a small deviation from the expected power-law dependence on distance of a Newtonian field derivative. This method provides a stronger null test of the gravitational inverse-square law force because it is less sensitive to imperfections in the source mass. We discuss the design of these experiments and estimate their performance relative to currently established experimental limits on inverse-square law violation.

We calculate the power density spectrum of fluctuations in the X-ray turn-on times of Her X-1, including new data which extend the X-ray and optical flux observations to a span of over 20 yr with 221 distinct 35-d high-low flux cycles. If we assume that turn-on times define the period of the 35-d clock, this statistical interpretation of turn-on behaviour is consistent with a white-noise process in the first derivative of the 35-d phase fluctuations (or a random walk in clock phase). We discuss the implications of considering the 35-d clock mechanism as a noise process

Progress and plans are reported for a program of gravitational physics experiments using cryogenic torsion pendula undergoing large amplitude torsional oscillation. The program includes a UC Irvine project to measure the gravitational constant G and joint UC Irvine - U. Washington projects to test the gravitational inverse square law at a range of about 10 cm and to test the weak equivalence principle., 17 pages, 11 figures, contribution to the 10th Marcel Grossman Conference Proceedings (Rio de Janeiro, July 20 - 26, 2003) - changed wording in first paragraph of section 5

Using a matched filter technique, we derive the minimum variance, unbiased estimator for the equilibrium displacement of a damped harmonic oscillator in thermal equilibrium when interactions with the thermal bath are the leading source of noise. We compare the variance in this optimal estimator with the variance in other, commonly used estimators in the presence of pure thermal noise and pure white noise. We also compare the variance in these estimators for a mixture of white and thermal noise. This result has implications for experimental design and the collection and analysis of data., 12 pages, 6 figures, submitted to Review of Scientific Instruments, revtex4

The Ginga satellite observatory has been used to measure a cyclotron feature in the hard X-ray spectrum of the 1.24-s binary pulsar Hercules X-1 with a much greater energy resolution than in previous observations. The spectrum from 10-60 keV can be described with a simple analytical formula which indicates an absorption feature at about 34 keV rather than an emission feature at about 50 keV. From this, the surface magnetic field strength of Her X-1 is estimated to be (2.9 + or - 0.3) x 10 to the 12th G.

The design, scientific goals, and capabilities of the DUMAND II detector system are described. Construction was authorized by DOE in 1990, and construction of various detector subsystems is under way. Current plans include deployment of the shore cable, junction box and three strings of optical detector modules in 1993, with expansion to the full 9‐string configuration about one year later.

In a previous article we developed an approach to the optimal (minimum variance, unbiased) statistical estimation technique for the equilibrium displacement of a damped, harmonic oscillator in the presence of thermal noise. Here, we expand that work to include the optimal estimation of several linear parameters from a continuous time series. We show that working in the basis of the thermal driving force both simplifies the calculations and provides additional insight to why various approximate (not optimal) estimation techniques perform as they do. To illustrate this point, we compare the variance in the optimal estimator that we derive for thermal noise with those of two approximate methods which, like the optimal estimator, suppress the contribution to the variance that would come from the irrelevant, resonant motion of the oscillator. We discuss how these methods fare when the dominant noise process is either white displacement noise or noise with power spectral density that is inversely proportional to the frequency ($1/f$ noise). We also construct, in the basis of the driving force, an estimator that performs well for a mixture of white noise and thermal noise. To find the optimal multi-parameter estimators for thermal noise, we derive and illustrate a generalization of traditional matrix methods for parameter estimation that can accommodate continuous data. We discuss how this approach may help refine the design of experiments as they allow an exact, quantitative comparison of the precision of estimated parameters under various data acquisition and data analysis strategies., Comment: 16 pages, 10 figures. Accepted for publication in Classical and Quantum Gravity

We are continuing a research program in particle astrophysics and high energy experimental particle physics. We have joined the DUMAND Collaboration, which is constructing a deep undersea astrophysical neutrino detector near Hawaii. Studies of high energy hadronic interactions using emulsion chamber techniques were also continued, using balloon flight exposures to ultra-high cosmic ray nuclei (JACEE) and accelerator beams. As members of the DUMAND Collaboration, we have responsibility for development a construction of critical components for the deep undersea neutrino detector facility. We have designed and developed the acoustical positioning system required to permit reconstruction of muon tracks with sufficient precision to meet the astrophysical goals of the experiment. In addition, we are making significant contributions to the design of the database and triggering system to be used. Work has been continuing in other aspects of the study of multiparticle production processes in nuclei. We are participants in a joint US/Japan program to study nuclear interactions at energies two orders of magnitude greater than those of existing accelerators, using balloon-borne emulsion chambers. On one of the flights we found two nuclear interactions of multiplicity over 1000 -- one with a multiplicity of over 2000 and pseudorapidity density {approximately} 800 in the more » central region. At the statistical level of the JACEE experiment, the frequency of occurrence of such events is orders of magnitude too large. We have continued our ongoing program to study hadronic interactions in emulsions exposed to high energy accelerator beams. « less

We are continuing a research program in particle astrophysics and high energy experimental particle physics. We have joined the DUMAND Collaboration, which is constructing a deep undersea astrophysical neutrino detector near Hawaii. Studies of high energy hadronic interactions using emulsion chamber techniques were also continued, using balloon flight exposures to ultra-high cosmic ray nuclei (JACEE) and accelerator beams. As members of the DUMAND Collaboration, we have responsibility for development a construction of critical components for the deep undersea neutrino detector facility. We have designed and developed the acoustical positioning system required to permit reconstruction of muon tracks with sufficient precision to meet the astrophysical goals of the experiment. In addition, we are making significant contributions to the design of the database and triggering system to be used. Work has been continuing in other aspects of the study of multiparticle production processes in nuclei. We are participants in a joint US/Japan program to study nuclear interactions at energies two orders of magnitude greater than those of existing accelerators, using balloon-borne emulsion chambers. On one of the flights we found two nuclear interactions of multiplicity over 1000 -- one with a multiplicity of over 2000 and pseudorapidity density {approximately} 800 in themore » central region. At the statistical level of the JACEE experiment, the frequency of occurrence of such events is orders of magnitude too large. We have continued our ongoing program to study hadronic interactions in emulsions exposed to high energy accelerator beams.« less

The scientific goals, design, capabilities, and status of the DUMAND II detector system are described. In June, 1989, the High Energy Physics Advisory Panel recommended support for construction of DUMAND II to the U.S. Department of Energy. Funding began in 1990, and prototype development for various detector subsystems is under way. Current plans include deployment of the shore cable, junction box and three strings of optical detector modules in 1992, and expansion to the full 9‐string configuration in 1993.

The results are reported of three observations of the binary X ray pulsar SMC X-1 with the Ginga satellite. Timing analyses of the 0.71 s X ray pulsations yield Doppler delay curves which, in turn, provide the most accurate determination of the SMC X-1 orbital parameters available to date. The orbital phase of the 3.9 day orbit is determined in May 1987, Aug. 1988, and Aug. 1988 with accuracies of 11, 1, and 3.5 s, respectively. These phases are combined with two previous determinations of the orbital phase to yield the rate of change in the orbital period: P sub orb/P sub orb = (-3.34 + or - 0.023) x 10(exp -6)/yr. An interpretation of this measurement and the known decay rate for the orbit of Cen X-3 is made in the context of tidal evolution. Finally, a discussion is presented of the relation among the stellar evolution, orbital decay, and neutron star spinup time scales for the SMC X-1 system.

From a pulse-timing analysis of Ginga observations of the binary X-ray pulsar Her X-1 obtained during the interval 1989 April-June we have determined local orbital parameters for a Short High state. We have also determined an orbital epoch in the adjacent Main High state. By comparing these orbital solutions with previously published results, we have detected a decrease in the orbital period for Her X-1 at an average rate of dot-P/P = (- 1.32 +/- 0.16) x 10(exp -8) yr(exp -1) over the interval 1971-1989. This is substantially larger than the value predicted from current estimates of the mass transfer rate, and motivates consideration of other mechanisms of mass transfer and/or mass loss. A second result from these observations is a close agreement between orbital parameters determined separately in Main High and Short High states. This agreement places strong constraints on the obliquity of the stellar companion, HZ Her, if undergoing forced precession with a 35 day period. As a consequence further doubt is placed on the slaved-disk model as the underlying cause of the 35 day cycle in Her X-1.

We have conducted an experiment to detect a composition-dependent force with range lambda between 10 m and 1 km, and find a statistically significant effect. If interpreted as arising from a new force, this result and other recent measurementes would be consistent in strength only if the coupling were predominantly to nuclear isospin.

Small angular scale fluctuations in the temperature of the relict radiation may provide crucial information regarding the evolution of large scale structure in the universe. Some aspects of the interface between theory and observation in this developing study are considered.

Timing the arrival of optical pulses from NP 0532 is a potentially important tool for studying the physics of this fascinating object. However, there are some difficulties in interpreting the data in terms of physical models. Some progress has been made on understanding the largest effect – the pulsar braking mechanism. The glitch of late September, 1969 can be interpreted as the speed-up, and subsequent relaxation, of the rotation of a neutron star crust. An alternate explanation is that of a planet in an eccentric orbit. Both models fit the rather meager data near the event. A small sinusoidal effect is indicated in a relatively quiet period of the data.

THE ‘primaeval fireball1 model of the Universe’ predicts a cosmic microwave background radiation field which has the spectral character of a blackbody source. The radiation arises from an initially very dense, very hot Universe, and has been cooled to around 2.7 K through the cosmological expansion. Previous ground-based radiometric measurements2–6 at wavelengths as short as 3.3 mm are consistent with a 2.7 K blackbody, but most of these points are in the Rayleigh-Jeang tail of such a blackbody spectrum.

In keeping with the title of Symposium No. 63,1 would like to confront the assembly with a short review of observational upper limits on the amplitude of intensity fluctuations in the microwave background radiation on angular scales of less than one degree.

The physics of hot gas in the cores of distant clusters of galaxies can be studied in considerable detail through a specific combination of X-ray, microwave and optical observations. In principle, the X-ray luminosity of the gas can be calculated from these data, providing a measure of the cluster distance. We examine these ideas and their application to Abell 2218, the only cluster for which even marginally suitable data yet exist.

Compact galactic X-ray sources are undeniably an exciting discovery by the New Astronomy of X-ray observations. Some of these objects were studied briefly, and without much notice, with optical telescopes long before they were known to be sources of high-energy photons. These earlier observations gave no indication of the special properties which compel us at this time to consider the possiblity that systems of this class contain such bizarre objects as neutron stars or black holes.

Timing the arrival of optical pulses from NP 0532 is a potentially important tool for studying the physics of this fascinating object. However, there are some difficulties in interpreting the data in terms of physical models. Some progress has been made on understanding the largest effect — the pulsar braking mechanism. The glitch of late September, 1969 can be interpreted as the speed-up, and subsequent relaxation, of the rotation of a neutron star crust. An alternate explanation is that of a planet in an eccentric orbit. Both models fit the rather meager data near the event. A small sinusoidal effect is indicated in a relatively quiet period of the data.

Analysis and interpretation of observations of the pulsed X-ray emission from Vela X-1 are presented. The interrelated tasks of determining the neutron-star orbit and calculating pulse emission times in the rest frame of the source are considered, with the underlying motivation to utilize this time series for analysis of fluctuations in the pulse emission frequency, which are interpreted as noise in the neutron-star rotation rate. However, the redness and strength of this noise in Vela X-1 pose a nontrivial complication, because the parameters of the neutron-star orbit are estimated by pulse timing and hence are themselves affected by fluctuations in the pulse emission frequency. A second challenge is presented by substantial fluctuations in the Vela X-1 pulse shape that, if ignored, would significantly reduce both the precision of the orbital solution and the ability to study fluctuations in the rotation rate. The report emphasizes the analysis techniques that have been developed to obtain the most precise orbital solution possible in the face of these difficulties. These techniques are general and may be applied to other pulsars that exhibit substantial fluctuations in pulse shape and frequency, such as Her X-1 and Cen X-3.

It is noted that the 35-day X-ray high-low cycle of Her X-1 could be explained in terms of periodic obscuration of the source by a tilted and precessing 'slaved' accretion disk, which would require precession of the mass-shedding star and, consequently, a precessing binary orbit. Four months of Uhuru data obtained in 1972 are analyzed to determine whether the orbital precession can be detected as a Doppler modulation in the arrival times of the 1.24-sec X-ray pulsations. The precession geometry is examined, the test for precession is outlined, and a marginally significant indication of orbital precession in the Hz Her/Her X-1 system is obtained. Possible biases in the analysis are evaluated, and the spin-axis misalignment of HZ Her is estimated from the measured tilt of the orbit.

The Einstein Observatory was used to obtain a high-resolution X-ray image and an X-ray flux measurement of the galaxy cluster Abell 2218. The combined system of intracluster medium and galaxies is modeled as a gas in hydrostatic equilibrium in a common gravitational potential with an isothermal galaxy component. This model is then fitted in the least-squares sense to the X-ray surface brightness distribution and to the optically determined galaxy surface density profile to determine model parameters. The gas is found to be nominally isothermal, moderately dense, and very hot (10-30 keV); these conditions are consistent with the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect, i.e., the diminution in the cosmic microwave background radiation intensity in the direction of this cluster. It is noted that the considerable imprecision inherent in the method of distance measurement based on the combination of microwave measurements with X-ray and optical data makes it impossible to make a definitive statement about the distance to Abell 2218.

Results are presented from pulse-timing analysis of Hercules X-1, based on satellite observations spanning 7 years. The binary orbital elements are redetermined and the near circularity of the orbit is confirmed with a new 2 sigma upper limit of 0.0003 on the eccentricity. We also report a much improved value of 1.70016779d + or - 0.00000001d for the orbital period, with a 2 sigma upper limit on its rate of change. Observations of transitions into and out of eclipse are used to determine an eclipse half-angle of 24.56 deg + or - 0.03 deg, somewhat smaller than previously reported values. The secular trend toward shorter pulse periods is found to be continuing.

An upper bound on the rate of apsidal advance in Vela X-1 is determined, taking into account the effect of the red noise in pulse frequency reported by Boynton et al. (1986). A new, more precise mean orbit is computed which provides substantially smaller upper bounds on both the rate of apsidal advance and the rate of change of the orbital period than previous solutions. A new, hybrid method for measuring the rate of apsidal advance is described that uses eclipse observations as well as pulse timing. The new method is potentially as useful as the direct measurement from pulse-timing alone for systems that allow more precise determinations of eclipse ingress and egress than does Vela X-1.

Using both drift scan and source tracking observations, we have searched for the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect in seven clusters of galaxies at a wavelength of 3 mm using the National Radio Astronomy Observatory 12 m (formerly 11 m) telescope on Kitt Peak and the ATandT Bell Laboratories 7 m telescope at Crawford Hill. This wavelength is advantageous because flux from sources in the clusters is negligible and the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich signal is near maximum amplitude. Our measurements set upper limits on the magnitude of the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect that are consistent with all previous, longer wavelength, searches. We introduce a method for comparison of observations that is independent of the details of the measurement and only weakly dependent on the intracluster gas model. The consistency of existing observations and the prospects for future measurements are discussed.

The extensive observations of Vela X-1 acquired from 1980 to 1984 with the Hakucho and Tenma satellites, using a pulse-filtering technique that provides a significant improvement in pulse-timing precision, are reexamined. The details of the preparation of this data base, including the determination of updated orbital parameters based on these and previously published observations covering a 10-yr interval, are reported. Preparatory to estimation of angular-acceleration flux-correlation pairs, substantially improved estimates of the power density of fluctuations in the derivative of the pulse frequency on analysis periods between 0.5 and 80 days are presented. These results support the phenomenological hypothesis that unresolved fluctuations in the angular acceleration of the neutron star, describable as random noise, are responsible for the entire history of the observed variation in pulse frequency of Vela X-1 on all time scales longer than a few days.

It is believed that variations in the intrinsic pulse frequencies of neutron star X-ray sources reflect changes in the rotation rate of the stellar crust produced by torque originating outside and inside the star. The external torque depends on the flow pattern of the accreting plasma, while the internal torque depends on the state of the interior and its coupling to the crust. Information about the accretion flow and the star itself can, therefore, be obtained on the basis of a study of intrinsic frequency variations. The present investigation is concerned with the results of a detailed study of the 283 s pulsing X-ray star Vela X-1 using pulse timing techniques. It is found that the frequency variations in this source are consistent with the occurrence of a succession of temporally unresolved events which can be characterized mathematically as second-order red noise in the pulse phase.