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Strategic Applications of Ultracold Atoms

Mark A. Kasevich

Published May 20, 2004• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

This consortium has initiated a focused collaborative program to advance matter wave sensors. We seek to combine atom interferometry with atom lasers and atom waveguides with the prospect of improving the sensitivity of such sensors by orders of magnitude as compared with existing state-of-the-art sensors. We will identify, explore and exploit fundamental scientific possibilities surrounding the production, manipulation and detection of ultra-cold atoms for a variety of sensing applications. Such sensors include gravimeters, gravity gradiometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers and frequency standards and have applications in science and technology and within the DOD. Sensitive and accurate inertial force sensors can be used in covert/passive navigation, precision guidance, underground structure detection, gravitational mapping, etc. They are non-emanating and capable of operating in a jammed-GPS environment. We seek to build awareness of DOD needs critical to national defense at the graduate training level, and to establish a dialogue between DOD and industrial researchers/managers and PhD trainees. The institutions identified in the proposed consortium attract talented students who are likely to become future leaders in science and technology.

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This consortium has initiated a focused collaborative program to advance matter wave sensors. We seek to combine atom interferometry with atom lasers and atom waveguides with the prospect of improving the sensitivity of such sensors by orders of magnitude as compared with existing state-of-the-art sensors. We will identify, explore and exploit fundamental scientific possibilities surrounding the production, manipulation and detection of ultra-cold atoms for a variety of sensing applications. Such sensors include gravimeters, gravity gradiometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers and frequency standards and have applications in science and technology and within the DOD. Sensitive and accurate inertial force sensors can be used in covert/passive navigation, precision guidance, underground structure detection, gravitational mapping, etc. They are non-emanating and capable of operating in a jammed-GPS environment. We seek to build awareness of DOD needs critical to national defense at the graduate training level, and to establish a dialogue between DOD and industrial researchers/managers and PhD trainees. The institutions identified in the proposed consortium attract talented students who are likely to become future leaders in science and technology.
Summary form only given. A collaboration between European research groups is developing novel atomic inertial quantum sensors based on matter-wave optics and Raman interferometry. For this purpose we are implementing a gravimeter and a gyroscope using ultra cold atoms as test masses. Inertial quantum sensors could represent a new tool for the precise detection of faint forces and tiny rotations. According to the principle of these sensors, the measured physical quantity will be converted into a frequency, which can be measured with highest accuracy. The items of atom interferometry will range from fundamental physical tests to many practical applications such as: local gravity measurements, allowing a precise underground mapping, and space navigation. In this contest the main goal is to realize modular and portable systems.
Inertial sensors based on cold atoms and light-pulse interferometry exhibit state-of-the-art sensitivity and ultra-low measurement bias that could revolutionize a variety of fields including geophysics and seismology, gravitational wave detection and fundamental tests of gravity, and inertial navigation. In the latter case, cold-atom interferometers are widely considered as breakthrough technology for future autonomous INSs. Nowadays, absolute quantum inertial sensors are available as commercial and field-deployable devices. Yet, their current size and complexity has not yet reached a technology readiness level compatible with mobile applications or plug-and-play operation by non-specialists. These systems are in desperate need of further development and miniaturization. We will present progress beyond these first experiments while exploring new methods relying on 3D matter-wave manipulation that can lead to interferometer geometries that are simultaneously sensitive to accelerations and rotations in 3D and can discern their vector components within a single measurement. These novel innovations produce additional sensitivity to rotations and gravity gradients which has not yet been exploited experimentally and could be a game changing innovation for future atomic sensors. The ability to measure the full acceleration and rotation vectors with a compact, high-precision, low-bias inertial sensor could strongly impact the fields of inertial navigation, gravity gradiometry, and gyroscopy.
Atom de Broglie wave interferometry has emerged as a tool capable of addressing a diverse set of questions in gravitational and condensed matter physics, and as an enabling technology for advanced sensors in geodesy and navigation. This talk will review basic principles, then discuss recent applications and future directions. Scientific applications to be discussed include measurement of G (Newton’s constant), tests of the Equivalence Principle and post-Newtonian gravity, and study of the Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition in layered superfluids. Technology applications include development of precision gryoscopes and gravity gradiometers. The talk will conclude with speculative remarks looking to the future: Can atom interference methods be sued to detect gravity waves? Can non-classical (entangled/squeezed state) atom sources lead to meaningful sensor performance improvements?
In recent years, quantum technology has attracted attention in inertial navigation, especially due to its extreme sensitivity to inertial forces and strong immunity to drifts, which plague conventional sensors. There are multiple groups around the world working on cold atom interferometry aiming to develop high sensitive inertial sensors for very high accuracy autonomous navigation. Recent advancements in micro-fabrication technologies have helped in development of robust and miniaturized atom interferometry based high performance inertial systems. These, in future, will pave way for autonomous satellite inertial navigation sensors based on cold atoms. Here we discuss the achievements towards realizing cold atom inertial sensors and their indomitable role as inertial sensors for future satellites. A detailed survey on the initiatives taken by different space agencies, their achievements and their plans to explore its potential in space are also discussed.
Recent laboratory experiments have demonstrated atom interference-based inertial force sensors operating at sensitivities near or exceeding the state-of-the-art [2x10-10 rad/sec/Hz1/2 (gyroscope), 10-9 g/Hz1/2 (accelerometer), and 10 E/Hz1/2 (gravity gradient, 1 E = 10-9 sec-2)]. Drawing on this recent experience, we seek to develop gravity gradient sensors which will provide unprecedented capabilities for navigation and geodesy applications. Our technical approach does not rely on cryogenic techniques, and should yield an instrument capable of operating on a broad array of platforms (eg. satellite, space station, plane, etc.). In the long run, we expect these instruments to be economical and robust The demonstration of Bose-Einstein condensation in dilute atomic vapors raises the prospect of a new class of de Broglie wave interferometric sensors. We have recently demonstrated a proof-of-principle accelerometer concept which exploits the novel coherence properties of Bose-Einstein condensed atomic sources.
This report describes the physical principles underpinning cold atom interferometry (CAI) and shows how they can be leveraged to develop high-performance inertial and gravity sensors; the distinguishing properties and the maturity level of such sensors will also be assessed. \nProof-of-principles demonstrations have been made for CAI-based accelerometers and gyroscopes, which can enable long-term autonomous navigation and precise positioning for ships, submarines, and satellites. CAI-based gravimeters and gravity gradiometers have been developed and are being tested on the ground; satellite-based systems could in the future be used to monitor the Earth gravity field. This would allow a better understanding of several geophysical and climate phenomena which require long-term policies solidly supported by data. \nQuantum sensors based on cold atom interferometry may therefore impact existing and future EU programmes on space, defence, and Earth observation. This report provides background knowledge of the field to a non-specialist audience, and in particular to EU policymakers involved in technology support and potential applications.