Gravitationally Induced Electric Field in Metals

Abstract

The gravitationally induced electric field in a metal is calculated through the electron-phonon interaction. The field is of magnitude ∼ ${10}^{-6\mathrm{}}$ V/m and is directed upward, in agreement with the results of Dessler et al. The electric field also exists inside superconducting materials, since once the field is decoupled, the electron-phonon interaction is essentially unchanged. This implies, of course, that other electron-phonon effects (e.g., resistivity) are unaffected by either the gravitational field or the induced electric field.