Dual-axis, high data-rate atom interferometer via cold ensemble exchange

TL;DR

This paper presents a dual-axis atom interferometer capable of high data-rate measurements by recapturing cold atomic ensembles, achieving high sensitivity suitable for practical inertial sensing outside laboratories.

Contribution

It introduces a dual-axis atom interferometer with recaptured cold ensembles, enabling high data-rate, high-sensitivity inertial measurements in a compact setup.

Findings

Achieved sensitivities of micro-g/√Hz and micro-rad/s/√Hz levels.

Maintained high atom numbers at 50-100 measurements per second.

Demonstrated potential for portable, high-performance inertial sensors.

Abstract

We demonstrate a dual-axis accelerometer and gyroscope atom interferometer, which forms the building blocks of a six-axis inertial measurement unit. By recapturing the atoms after the interferometer sequence, we maintain a large atom number at high data-rates of 50 to 100 measurements per second. Two cold ensembles are formed in trap zones located a few centimeters apart, and are launched toward one-another. During their ballistic trajectory, they are interrogated with a stimulated Raman sequence, detected, and recaptured in the opposing trap zone. We achieve sensitivities at $\mathrm{\mu \mathit{g} / \sqrt{Hz}}$ and $\mathrm{\mu rad / s / \sqrt{Hz}}$ levels, making this a compelling prospect for expanding the use of atom interferometer inertial sensors beyond benign laboratory environments.