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Journal of undergraduate research in physics and astronomy.

A Primer on Developing High-Precision Atomtronic Sensors Using Ultracold Atoms

Anish Goyal

Published Aug 1, 2025• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This paper explores the applications of quantum atomtronics with Bose-Einstein condensates in the creation of sensors for ultraprecise measurements of gravity, rotation, and velocity. We define key principles from quantum mechanics, discuss the field of quantum atomtronics, and outline the experimental setups required for such studies. Finally, we highlight the future trajectory of this field by examining advanced research in axion detection and space experiments conducted on the International Space Station, as well as the possibility of incorporating machine learning and image recognition systems to automate the readout of atomtronic interferometers.

DOI
10.1063/10.0039483

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Quantum technology became a new tool for navigation based on measuring accelerations and rotations. However, the full potential of atom interferometers that operate with ultracold atoms has not yet been exploited. This paper presents current developments in the field of generation and application of Bose–Einstein condensates for inertial navigation. It covers the advancements in the form of atom chip and compact vacuum technology, classical sensor hybridization, and a multi-axis atom interferometry technique. In addition, the synergies of combining quantum sensors with classical inertial measurement units and their implications for navigation trajectories are discussed.
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"What are atoms doing in space anyways?" This talk will provide a brief overview of applications of quantum technologies in space ranging from precise timing and inertial measurements to fundamental physics. Quantum technologies have seen a wide field of applications in medicine, geosciences, computing and communications, in many cases bridging the gap from laboratory experiments to commercial products in the last decade. For terrestrial applications that is. But what about going to space? Quantum physics based sensors and experiments promise higher accuracy, sensitivity or better long term stability as they rely on immutable properties of atoms. When properly manipulated, these (ultra-)cold atoms are likely to outperform state of the art instruments. Experiments conducted on sounding rockets demonstrated important steps like Bose-Einstein Condensate creation during a few minutes in microgravity, enabling more advanced quantum experiments in the future. The International Space Station and the Tiangong Space Station host dedicated experiments like ultrastable clocks as well as flexible research infrastructure for fundamental research benefitting from long free-fall times. However, the deployment of such technologies on satellites is not as advanced. Satellite missions utilizing quantum sensors or performing long term experiments are subject to studies and proposals backed by a broad scientific community aiming at better understanding of climate change, interplanetary navigation or tests of general relativity. First steps towards realization of such missions are taken by ESA, NASA and various national space agencies as well as universities funded by national agencies or the EU. This talk will detect the current state of atoms in space and give an overview of active programs to deploy quantum sensors on operational satellite missions. The focus is on future applications in geosciences and related fields employing the same technology.
This thesis presents experimental and theoretical work investigating the application of Bose-condensed atomic sources to atom interferometer-based inertial sensors. In particular, we focus on gravity sensors, which have applications in fundamental physics, Earth sciences, mineral exploration, and navigation. We develop atomic sources, design and implement several different atomic beamsplitters and mirrors, and build atom interferometers utilising Bose-condensed atomic sources. Theoretical work supports all of these experiments. Coupled with the detailed theoretical analyses, these proof-of-principle experiments show that Bose-condensed sources will be critical in the next generation inertial sensors based on atomic interference. - provided by Candidate.
Atomic quantum sensors are a major breakthrough in the technology of time and frequency standards as well as ultra-precise sensing and monitoring of accelerations and rotations. They apply a new kind of optics based on matter waves. Today, atomic clocks are the standard for time and frequency measurement at the highest precisions. Inertial and rotational sensors using atom interferometers have already shown similar potential for replacing state-of-the-art sensors in other fields. With Bose-Einstein condensates, also refered as atom lasers, the traditional experiments with atom interferometers can be greatly improved. Testing of fundamental principles, studies of atomic properties, applications as inertial sensors, and measurements of fundamental constants can benefit from the brightness (intensity and small momentum spread) of these coherent sources. In addition, the coherence properties of condensates may also allow BEC based atom interferometers to approach the Heisenberg detection limit. This corresponds to a measurement precision which scales like 1/N for N atoms and not like 1 / N as for independent measurements on N atoms.
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.