Characterization and limits of a cold atom Sagnac interferometer

TL;DR

This paper thoroughly evaluates a cold atom Sagnac interferometer, identifying systematic errors and demonstrating the potential for ultra-sensitive rotation measurements limited only by quantum projection noise.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of systematic errors, sensitivity limits, and the technical challenges for advancing cold atom gyroscope technology.

Findings

Acceleration noise can be effectively removed from the rotation signal.

The interferometer reaches the quantum projection noise limit for short-term measurements.

Technical limitations for long-term sensitivity have been identified.

Abstract

We present the full evaluation of a cold atom gyroscope based on atom interferometry. We have performed extensive studies to determine the systematic errors, scale factor and sensitivity. We demonstrate that the acceleration noise can be efficiently removed from the rotation signal allowing to reach the fundamental limit of the quantum projection noise for short term measurements. The technical limits to the long term sensitivity and accuracy have been identified, clearing the way for the next generations of ultra-sensitive atom gyroscopes.