Light-pulse atom interferometry in microgravity

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a light pulse atom interferometer using cold rubidium atoms in microgravity, achieving measurements with potential sensitivity surpassing ground-based sensors and approaching space-based capabilities.

Contribution

It introduces a novel operation of a cold atom interferometer in microgravity, enabling measurements not possible on Earth and paving the way for advanced space-based inertial sensing.

Findings

Successfully operated in microgravity during parabolic flights

Achieved Ramsey fringes in reduced gravity environment

Potential for highly sensitive acceleration measurements in space

Abstract

We describe the operation of a light pulse interferometer using cold 87Rb atoms in reduced gravity. Using a series of two Raman transitions induced by light pulses, we have obtained Ramsey fringes in the low gravity environment achieved during parabolic flights. With our compact apparatus, we have operated in a regime which is not accessible on ground. In the much lower gravity environment and lower vibration level of a satellite, our cold atom interferometer could measure accelerations with a sensitivity orders of magnitude better than the best ground based accelerometers and close to proven spaced-based ones.