Stability comparison of two absolute gravimeters: optical versus atomic interferometers

TL;DR

This study compares the stability of optical and atomic interferometer-based absolute gravimeters, showing atomic gravimeters have better vibration immunity and slightly superior short-term stability in field conditions.

Contribution

First direct comparison of optical and atomic interferometer absolute gravimeters under real-world conditions.

Findings

Atomic gravimeter exhibits better vibration noise immunity.

Atomic gravimeter shows slightly better short-term stability.

Comparison conducted in underground laboratory during ICAG-2013.

Abstract

We report the direct comparison between the stabilities of two mobile absolute gravimeters of different technology: the LNE-SYRTE Cold Atom Gravimeter and FG5X\#216 of the Universit\'e du Luxembourg. These instruments rely on two different principles of operation: atomic and optical interferometry. The comparison took place in the Walferdange Underground Laboratory for Geodynamics in Luxembourg, at the beginning of the last International Comparison of Absolute Gravimeters, ICAG-2013. We analyse a 2h10 duration common measurement, and find that the CAG shows better immunity with respect to changes in the level of vibration noise, as well as a slightly better short term stability.