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European Quantum Electronics Conference (EQEC)

Sagnac interferometry with cold atoms

T. Muller, Thijs Wendrich, Michael Gilowski, C. Jentsch, Ernst Maria Rasel, Wolfgang A. Ertmer

Published Jan 18, 2006• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

In this paper, a concept for an atom interferometer for measurements of rotations and accelerations with very high sensitivity based on laser cooled rubidium atoms (CASI: cold atom Sagnac interferometer) and its experimental realisation are discussed. The aim is to reveal the quantum limits of such an inertial sensor as well as to assess and to optimise measurement strategies like continuous or periodic operation modes.

DOI
10.1109/eqec.2005.1567405

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In this paper, a concept for an atom interferometer for measurements of rotations and accelerations with very high sensitivity based on laser cooled rubidium atoms (CASI: cold atom Sagnac interferometer) and its experimental realisation are discussed. The aim is to reveal the quantum limits of such an inertial sensor as well as to assess and to optimise measurement strategies like continuous or periodic operation modes.
Summary form only given. Matter wave interferometers have become very promising tools in fundamental physics and metrology. The sensitivities obtained with such atomic quantum sensors compete with classical state-of-the-art devices for acceleration and rotation measurements. Currently, we are setting up a new cold atom Sagnac interferometer (CASI) to realize high precision measurements of rotations with a compact and flexible setup. Using cold atoms the experiment aims to achieve sensitivities down to 2/spl times/10/sup -9/ rad/s/Hz for a compact interferometer as short as 15 cm. Rotations and accelerations will be discriminated by synchronous operation of two counterpropagating ensembles of ultra-cold atoms. We will give an overview about the concept and the parameters of our future interferometer. The results of the characterization of our 2D-MOT, which serves as a brilliant source for our cold atom interferometer, will be presented. The compact design of the sensor will be transportable. Thus, it will permit the comparison with other gyroscopes. CASI will be a first step towards a cold atom space experiment of the second generation.
In the paper the authors present an atomic gyroscope for the precise measurement of rotations based on optical Raman transitions for the coherent beam splitting process. Two interferometers with overlapping counter propagating atomic trajectories are used to distinguish between rotation and acceleration. Furthermore, we report on the present status of the apparatus including the analysis of systematic effects, which lead to the current limitation of the sensor. Finally, future improvements based on the provided analysis of the sensor will be discussed.
Recent technological advancements in atom interferometry have demonstrated extremely precise inertial measurements of acceleration and rotation. These could be used to develop ultra-precise inertial navigation systems that approach GPS navigation. The paper presents a rudimentary exposition of the interferometer which is based on beams of atoms cooled by lasers to a velocity of the order of 1 m/s and launched along two trajectories that re-combine, as in a classical interferometer. Using the dual wave-particle quantum mechanical properties of atoms, the differential phase of the interfering beams is indicative of inertial acceleration and rotation, similar to the Sagnac effect. Due to the much shorter wavelength of the atomic beam, the sensitivity is many orders of magnitude greater. Concluding analyses show that an inertial navigation system with 5/hr drift is technically possible.