Institute of Geodesy Research Main Research Focus Relativistic Geodesy Finished Research Projects
Transportable optical clock for relativistic geodesy (CRC 1128/2, A03)

Finished Research Projects

Transportable optical clock for relativistic geodesy (CRC 1128/2, A03)

Led by:  Priv.-Doz. Dr. Christian Lisdat, Prof. Dr. Piet O. Schmidt, Dr.-Ing. Heiner Denker
E-Mail:  denker@ife.uni-hannover.de
Team:  Coworker of the Physikalisch-Technischen Bundesanstalt (PTB)
Year:  2018
Funding:  German Research Foundation (DFG)
Duration:  01.07.2018 – 30.06.2019
Is Finished:  yes
Further information https://www.geoq.uni-hannover.de/en/research/a-frontiers-of-quantum-sensors/a03/

According to Einstein's theory of general relativity, clocks run slower in a gravitational potential compared to outside. The goal of this project is to use this effect for the direct measurement of the geopotential by comparing transportable optical clocks over distances of 100 km to 1000 km with a height resolution of 10 cm and better. Thus classical geodetic measurements can be combined, and anchor points can be set for the stabilisation of elevation networks. After the first successful measurement campaigns, measurements with direct geodetic relevance are now envisaged.