A Theoretical Prediction of the First Testable Thermal Variation of Newton's Constant in Yttrium–Iron–Garnet

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Authors: Christian Macinnis Borge
Cited by: 0

Abstract

a theoretical prediction that Newton’s gravitational constant should vary slightly as a result of changes in temperature when measured using yttrium–iron–garnet (YIG) test masses. The effect arises from quantum stress fluctuations in the material that couple to gravity through well-established field-theory principles. Cooling YIG from room temperature to liquid-nitrogen temperature leads to a small but measurable change in the internal energy contribution to gravity. Because modern torsion balances and atom- interferometry systems are reaching unprecedented precision, the predicted effect may soon be detectable. If confirmed, the result would provide the first direct laboratory evidence linking condensed-matter physics to the quantum origin of gravity. The approach is logically consistent, experimentally accessible, and does not modify the structure of general relativity.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pulsars and Gravitational Waves Research Relativity and Gravitational Theory High-pressure geophysics and materials

Publication details

Journal / source
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Publication date
2 January 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Preprint