Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

A TRANSPORTABLE COLD ATOM INERTIAL SENSOR FOR SPACE APPLICATIONS

Vincent Ménoret, Rémi Geiger, Guillaume Stern, Patrick Cheinet, Baptiste Battelier, Nassim Zahzam, Franck Pereira dos Santos, Dos Santos, Alexandre Bresson, Philippe Bouyer

Published Jan 1, 2010• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Atom interferometry has hugely benefitted from advances made in cold atom physics over the past twenty years, and ultra-precise quantum sensors are now available for a wide range of applications [1]. In particular, cold atom interferometers have shown excellent performances in the field of acceleration and rotation

Related papers

A transportable cold atom inertial sensor for space applications

Rémi Geiger, Guillaume Stern, Patrick Cheinet +7 more

Atom interferometry has hugely benefitted from advances made in cold atom physics over the past twenty years, and ultra-precise quantum sensors are now available for a wide range of applications [1]. In particular, cold atom interferometers have shown excellent performances in the field of acceleration and rotation measurements [2,3], and are foreseen as promising candidates for navigation, geophysics, geo-prospecting and tests of fundamental physics such as the Universality of Free Fall (UFF). In order to carry out a test of the UFF with atoms as test masses, one needs to compare precisely the accelerations of two atoms with different masses as they fall in the Earth’s gravitational field. The sensitivity of atom interferometers scales like the square of the time during which the atoms are in free fall, and on ground this interrogation time is limited by the size of the experimental setup to a fraction of a second. Sending an atom interferometer in space would allow for several seconds of excellent free-fall conditions, and tests of the UFF could be carried out with precisions as low as 10-15 [4]. However, cold atoms experiments rely on complex laser systems, which are needed to cool down and manipulate the atoms, and these systems are usually very sensitive to temperature fluctuations and vibrations. In addition, when operating an inertial sensor, vibrations are a major issue, as they deteriorate the performances of the instrument. This is why cold atom interferometers are usually used in ground based facilities, which provide stable enough environments. In order to carry out airborne or space-borne measurements, one has to design an instrument which is both compact and stable, and such that vibrations induced by the platform will not deteriorate the sensitivity of the sensor. We report on the operation of an atom interferometer on board a plane carrying out parabolic flights (Airbus A300 Zero-G, operated by Novespace). We have constructed a compact and stable laser setup, which is well suited for onboard applications. Our goal is to implement a dual-species Rb-K atom interferometer in order to carry out a test of the UFF in the plane. In this perspective, we are designing a dual-wavelength laser source, which will enable us to cool down and coherently manipulate the quantum states of both atoms. We have successfully tested a preliminary version of the source and obtained a double species magneto-optical trap (MOT).

International Conference on Space Optics (ICSO)•Nov 20, 2017•2 citations

Three-dimensional simulation of atomic Bragg beam splitters

Antje Neumann, R. Walser

Atom interferometry provides the opportunity of high-precision measurements of rotation and acceleration [1]. Therefore atoms are the ultimate quantum sensors. In the configuration of an atom interferometer they provide the opportunity of high-precision rotation and acceleration sensing. Potential applications range from the further understanding of fundamental physics to inertial navigation and geological exploration. In the QUANTUS freefall experiments atom interferometery is the central method as well [2].

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe & European Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO/Europe-EQEC)•Jun 1, 2017•0 citations

Cold Atom Sensors in Space Applications: A Global Scenario

Hriday Dath, V N Radhika, A R Rekha +2 more

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.

•Apr 7, 2021•0 citations

A compact and transportable cold atom inertial sensor for space applications

P.-A. Gominet, Vincent Ménoret, Baptiste Battelier +4 more

•Jul 23, 2012•0 citations

Developments and performances of cold atom inertial sensors for space applications

Arnaud Landragin

cosp•Jan 1, 2010•0 citations

Vectorial quantum sensors

Philippe Bouyer

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.

Optical and Quantum Sensing and Precision Metrology II•Mar 9, 2022•0 citations
Atom interferometry has hugely benefitted from advances made in cold atom physics over the past twenty years, and ultra-precise quantum sensors are now available for a wide range of applications [1]. In particular, cold atom interferometers have shown excellent performances in the field of acceleration and rotation measurements [2,3], and are foreseen as promising candidates for navigation, geophysics, geo-prospecting and tests of fundamental physics such as the Universality of Free Fall (UFF). In order to carry out a test of the UFF with atoms as test masses, one needs to compare precisely the accelerations of two atoms with different masses as they fall in the Earth’s gravitational field. The sensitivity of atom interferometers scales like the square of the time during which the atoms are in free fall, and on ground this interrogation time is limited by the size of the experimental setup to a fraction of a second. Sending an atom interferometer in space would allow for several seconds of excellent free-fall conditions, and tests of the UFF could be carried out with precisions as low as 10-15 [4]. However, cold atoms experiments rely on complex laser systems, which are needed to cool down and manipulate the atoms, and these systems are usually very sensitive to temperature fluctuations and vibrations. In addition, when operating an inertial sensor, vibrations are a major issue, as they deteriorate the performances of the instrument. This is why cold atom interferometers are usually used in ground based facilities, which provide stable enough environments. In order to carry out airborne or space-borne measurements, one has to design an instrument which is both compact and stable, and such that vibrations induced by the platform will not deteriorate the sensitivity of the sensor. We report on the operation of an atom interferometer on board a plane carrying out parabolic flights (Airbus A300 Zero-G, operated by Novespace). We have constructed a compact and stable laser setup, which is well suited for onboard applications. Our goal is to implement a dual-species Rb-K atom interferometer in order to carry out a test of the UFF in the plane. In this perspective, we are designing a dual-wavelength laser source, which will enable us to cool down and coherently manipulate the quantum states of both atoms. We have successfully tested a preliminary version of the source and obtained a double species magneto-optical trap (MOT).
Atom interferometry provides the opportunity of high-precision measurements of rotation and acceleration [1]. Therefore atoms are the ultimate quantum sensors. In the configuration of an atom interferometer they provide the opportunity of high-precision rotation and acceleration sensing. Potential applications range from the further understanding of fundamental physics to inertial navigation and geological exploration. In the QUANTUS freefall experiments atom interferometery is the central method as well [2].
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.
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.