A Compact Atom Interferometer for Future Space Missions

Abstract

Atom interferometry represents a quantum leap in the technology for the ultra-precise monitoring of accelerations and rotations and, therefore, for the science that relies on these quantities. These sensors evolved from a new kind of optics based on matterwaves rather than light-waves and might result in an

Chip-scale atomic devices

“…The miniaturization of such instruments, while still in its infancy, has been investigated by several groups [283][284][285][286][287][288][289][290][291] for both defense and space applications. The dependence of the number of laser-cooled atoms, and hence the instrument signal-to-noise ratio, was investigated as a function of the cooling beam size.…”

Precision Gravity Tests with Atom Interferometry in Space

“…Several developments, within The European Space Agency (ESA) and the national agengies CNES and DLR, are today investigating the potential of cold atom interferometry for precision measurements and fundamental tests in space. A compact cold atom inteferometry sensor has been developed within the ESA project SAI [14]. The sensor design, compatible with the Bremen drop-tower capsule, is studying key atom interferometry techniques as a first step for the space qualification of this technology.…”

“…In the latter, a free evolution time T = 5 s is foreseen. For Q-WEP, the target of testing the Eötvös ratio to one part in 10 14 shall be reached with a free evolution time of T = 1 s and an integration of the signal over a few months. In principle these values are also possible within earth-bound 10 m towers.…”

Principles of Gravitational Waves Detection Through Atom Interferometry

“…MAGIA provided the most accurate measurement of the gravitational constant with atom interferometry techniques [32]. At the same time the group is applying atom interferometry techniques to test the Newtonian gravitational law at micrometric distances [33], and is developing compact atom interferometry accelerometers for space research and geophysical applications [34]. Experimental activities are ongoing, based on the MAGIA apparatus, to demonstrate one or more possible schemes to detect GWs in a frequency band inaccessible to optical interferometers, i.e.…”