New sensor uses slowed light to detect gravity of millimeter-scale objects

Researchers built a sensor that uses slowed light to detect the gravitational pull of objects just a few millimeters in size with very small mass. Gravity is the weakest of the four fundamental forces, making such measurements extremely difficult.

• Sensor detects gravity of objects only a few millimeters in size
• Approach relies on slowing light inside the device
• Gravity is the weakest of the four fundamental forces