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Can a macroscopic gyroscope feel torsion?

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Abstract

We demonstrate that for a large class of Lagrangian-based torsion theories a macroscopic gyroscope is insensitive to the torsion field: There can be no coupling of the torsion to the gyroscope's angular momentum of rotation. To detect torsion a polarized system with a net elementary particle spin is needed. These conclusions are evident from the conservation laws, which form the basis for deriving the equations of motion.

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Author notes

  1. S. J. Stoeger

    Present address: The Vatican Observatory, I-00120, Città del Vaticano, Castel Gandolfo, Italy

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Maryland, 20742, College Park, Maryland

    R. William & S. J. Stoeger

  2. Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Maryland, 20742, College Park, Maryland

    Philip B. Yasskin

  3. Department of Physics, Harvard University, 02138, Cambridge, Massachusetts

    Philip B. Yasskin

Authors
  1. R. William
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  2. S. J. Stoeger
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  3. Philip B. Yasskin
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William, R., Stoeger, S.J. & Yasskin, P.B. Can a macroscopic gyroscope feel torsion?. Gen Relat Gravit 11, 427–431 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00759306

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00759306

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