Precision measurements on Gravitation

The Primary Focus of our group is the Experimental Study of Gravity as a Fundamental Interaction. This primary interest naturally carries over to the experimental study of other posited feeble forces.

Central to our work is an instrument known as the Torsion Balance, and we pursue our experiments at a dedicated, low-noise underground laboratory at Gauribidanur in Karnataka. Though the torsion balance has a history going back more than 200 years, the fact is that modern torsion balances remain among the most sensitive mechanical transducers known. The questions we remain interested in are

At left, a schematic overlay depicting the Gauribidanur Laboratory, with a Torsion Balance in the Ultra-high-vacuum chamber at base, 80 feet underground; At right, a photograph of the lowest portion of the Equivalence Principle torsional suspension, with the composite mass-bob (Lead-Copper) and the mirror for angle-tracking

We build our most sensitive instruments and control-systems ourselves (spanning the gamut over mechanical systems, optics and electronics) and are especially interested in young folk who like to do things with their hands.