A network of clocks for measuring the stability of fundamental constants

我们提议创建一个世界领先的项目，利用量子时钟网络来寻找自然基本常数的时空变化。我们的联盟将建立一个社区，在测试精细结构常数α和质子电子质量比mu的变化方面达到前所未有的灵敏度。这反过来又将为标准模型和暗物质模型之外的广泛的基础理论和现象学理论提供更严格的约束。QSNET联盟的雄心壮志将通过一个独特的实验平台来实现，该实验平台连接了英国各地的许多互补量子传感器，即最先进的原子钟、分子钟和高电荷离子钟。这个提议的关键是网络化的方法，在这种方法中，对基本常数变化具有不同敏感度的时钟将使用光纤连接起来。该网络涉及一系列不同的量子传感设备和具有不同技术就绪水平的设备：从一端更成熟的微波原子钟到另一端高电荷离子钟。QSNET将能够在第一年提供重要的结果，同时开发先进的量子传感器，随着项目的继续和最复杂的传感器上线，提供越来越有影响力的结果。

We propose to create a world-leading programme to search for spatial and temporal variations of fundamental constants of nature, using a network of quantum clocks. Our consortium will build a community that will achieve unprecedented sensitivity in testing variations of the fine structure constant, alpha, and the proton-to-electron mass ratio, mu. This in turn will provide more stringent constraints on a wide range of fundamental and phenomenological theories beyond the Standard Model and on dark matter models. The ambition of the QSNET consortium will be enabled by a unique experimental platform that connects a number of complementary quantum sensors across the UK, namely state-of-the-art atomic clocks, molecular clocks, and a highly-charged ion clock. Key to the proposal is the networked approach in which clocks, with different sensitivities to changes of the fundamental constants, will be linked using optical fibres. The network involves a range of different quantum sensing devices and devices with different technology readiness levels: from the more established microwave atomic clocks on the one end to the highly-charged ion clock on the other. QSNET will be able to deliver important results in the first years, and at the same time develop advanced quantum sensors to provide increasingly impactful results as the project continues and the most sophisticated sensors come on line.