SAI: a compact atom interferometer for future space missions

TL;DR

This paper presents the development of a compact, space-compatible atom interferometer for precise acceleration measurements, including prototype design, subsystem manufacturing, and innovative quantum source schemes.

Contribution

It introduces a new compact design for space-based atom interferometers and demonstrates prototype development and novel quantum source integration.

Findings

Prototype of a drop-tower compatible accelerometer is under construction.

A compact laser system for rubidium atom cooling and trapping has been assembled.

Low phase noise Raman laser module and quantum source schemes have been experimentally demonstrated.

Abstract

Atom interferometry represents a quantum leap in the technology for the ultra-precise monitoring of accelerations and rotations and, therefore, for all the science that relies on the latter quantities. These sensors evolved from a new kind of optics based on matter-waves rather than light-waves and might result in an advancement of the fundamental detection limits by several orders of magnitude. Matter-wave optics is still a young, but rapidly progressing science. The Space Atom Interferometer project (SAI), funded by the European Space Agency, in a multi-pronged approach aims to investigate both experimentally and theoretically the various aspects of placing atom interferometers in space: the equipment needs, the realistically expected performance limits and potential scientific applications in a micro-gravity environment considering all aspects of quantum, relativistic and metrological sciences. A drop-tower compatible prototype of a single-axis atom interferometry accelerometer is under construction. At the same time the team is studying new schemes, e.g. based on degenerate quantum gases as source for the interferometer. A drop-tower compatible atom interferometry acceleration sensor prototype has been designed, and the manufacturing of its subsystems has been started. A compact modular laser system for cooling and trapping rubidium atoms has been assembled. A compact Raman laser module, featuring outstandingly low phase noise, has been realized. Possible schemes to implement coherent atomic sources in the atom interferometer have been experimentally demonstrated.