论文标题
Ste-Quest-时空探索器和量子等效原理测试：2022中级任务概念
STE-QUEST -- Space Time Explorer and QUantum Equivalence principle Space Test: The 2022 medium-class mission concept
论文作者
论文摘要
太空传播量子技术，尤其是基于原子干涉法的量子技术，正在预示着战略性和强大空间探索的新时代。独特的空间条件，其特征是低噪声和低重力环境，为应用开辟了各种可能性，从精确的时间和频率传递到地球观察以及对新物理的搜索。在本文中，我们总结了M级任务建议，以响应2022年的ESA科学计划：时空探索者和量子等效原理空间测试（Ste-Quest）。它由卫星任务组成，该任务具有双物种原子干涉仪在延长持续时间内运行。该任务旨在解决物理学中最基本的三个问题：（i）在$ 10^{ - 17} $中，测试自由跌落的普遍性，其准确性更好，（ii）探索各种形式的超轻质暗物质，以及（iii）仔细检查量子力学的基础。
Space-borne quantum technologies, particularly those based on atom interferometry, are heralding a new era of strategic and robust space exploration. The unique conditions of space, characterized by low noise and low gravity environments, open up diverse possibilities for applications ranging from precise time and frequency transfer to Earth Observation and the search of new Physics. In this paper, we summarise the M-class mission proposal in response to the 2022 call in ESA's science program: Space-Time Explorer and Quantum Equivalence Principle Space Test (STE-QUEST). It consists in a satellite mission featuring a dual-species atom interferometer operating over extended durations. This mission aims to tackle three of the most fundamental questions in Physics: (i) testing the universality of free fall with an accuracy better than one part in $10^{-17}$, (ii) exploring various forms of Ultra-Light Dark Matter, and (iii) scrutinizing the foundations of Quantum Mechanics.
