Experiment with speeding ions verifies relativistic time dilation to new level of precision: Sep 19, 2014 by Bob Yirka (Phys.org) —A team of researchers working at the Experimental Storage Ring in Damstadt, Germany have conducted an experiment using ions pushed to 40 percent of the speed of light to verify time dilation to a new level of precision. In their paper published in Physical Review Letters, the team describes how their experiment was conducted and how it allowed them to validate the time dilation prediction to just a few parts per billion. Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2014-09-ions-relativistic-dilation-precision.html#jCp http://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.120405 ABSTRACT We present the concluding result from an Ives-Stilwell-type time dilation experiment using Li+7 ions confined at a velocity of β=v/c=0.338 in the storage ring ESR at Darmstadt. A Λ-type three-level system within the hyperfine structure of the Li+7S13→P23 line is driven by two laser beams aligned parallel and antiparallel relative to the ion beam. The lasers’ Doppler shifted frequencies required for resonance are measured with an accuracy of <4×10−9 using optical-optical double resonance spectroscopy. This allows us to verify the special relativity relation between the time dilation factor γ and the velocity β, γ1−β2−−−−−√=1 to within ±2.3×10−9 at this velocity. The result, which is singled out by a high boost velocity β, is also interpreted within Lorentz invariance violating test theories. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.120405
If I understand correctly (not likely), the difference in the frequency of the laser light passing through ions of Li7 at rest vs. at relativistic velocities, gives the experimenters a nine decimal place accuracy reading of time dilation. In effect, the Li7 ions are acting as clocks, and the measurement of the time dilation is the difference in the measurement of time passing as recorded when one "clock" (the accelerated beam of Li7), is compared to the rest "clock", (the unaccelerated Li7 ions). Is there an explanation in terms of spacetime? What is it about spacetime in the environment were the "at rest" measurement is made, vs. spacetime in the environment where the relativistic measurements are made? Is it that the energy density in the spacetime equations is different in the two environments, i.e. Is the curvature of spacetime different, causing the different measurements? And would the different energy density of the two environments be associated with different values of the stress tensor in the EFEs? Silly layman question, I know, but maybe someone will be able to explain the results in terms of spacetime.
