Applications of atom interferometry using an improved laser cooling method

Jörg Helge Müller, D. Bettermann, V. Rieger +6 more

Ning Ru, Li Zhang, Yu Wang +1 more

Atom Interferometry is proved to be a potential method for measuring the acceleration of atoms due to Gravity, we are now building a feasible system of cold atom gravimeter. In this paper development and the important applications of laser cooling and trapping atoms are introduced, some key techniques which are used to obtain 87Rb cold atoms in our experiments are also discussed.

Dana, Christopher S.

Atom-based sensors have the potential to enhance inertial navigation in Global Positioning System (GPS)-denied environments, providing an alternative to traditional accelerometers, gyroscopes, and sensors. Accurate temperature characterization is critical for atom interferometry, which relies on precise control of atomic motion to achieve high sensitivity. This research develops a model to infer the temperature of laser-cooled rubidium vapor by analyzing its ballistic expansion. The release and recapture method is employed to track atomic cloud dynamics after trap release, refining temperature inference through comparison with theoretical models. A magneto-optical trap is used to cool and confine the atoms, followed by sub-Doppler cooling to achieve lower temperatures. By characterizing expansion dynamics, this study improves temperature measurement techniques for cold atomic samples, addressing sources of systematic uncertainty that affect precision in quantum sensors. These findings contribute to advancements in laser cooling methodologies and atomic interferometry at the Naval Postgraduate School, with direct defense applications in inertial navigation, precision measurement, and sensing.

Jörg Helge Müller, D. Bettermann, V. Rieger +10 more

Fujio Shimizu

Hugh F. Rice, Vincent Benischek

Atom Interferometry is a next generation navigation technology based on Nobel Prize winning research into atom laser cooling and coherent atom waves. The technology is applicable to inertial navigation sensors: gyroscopes, accelerometers, gravity gradiometers and precision time. This paper discusses the theory of free fall atom interferometry, and its application as the inertial navigator for future submarine platforms.