  Recent developments in fundamental physics (in theory as well as in
technology) provide novel capabilities for geodetic applications such as
refined observations of the Earth`s gravity field. We will focus on two new
concepts: one applies atomic interferometry for (satellite) gravimetry, the
other uses clock measurements for observing potential values. In the first
case, gravity anomalies are determined by observing free-falling atoms (quantum
gravimetry), such technique can also be applied for future gradiometric
measurements in space. In the second case according to Einstein`s theory of
general relativity, frequency comparisons of highly precise optical clocks give
access to differences of the gravity potential, even over long distances
(relativistic geodesy). Also laser interferometry between test masses in space
with nanometer accuracy belongs to these novel concepts. For the latter,
technology developed for gravitational wave detection and successfully tested
in the LISA/pathfinder mission is being prepared for geodetic measurements.
Those concepts are recently elaborated in close cooperation between physicists
and geodesists at the University of Hannover under the umbrella of the
Collaborative Research Center SFB 1128 Relativistic geodesy and gravimetry with
quantum sensors (geo-Q). We will give a few examples where geodesy will
potentially benefit from these novel developments and show future perspectives.
