Rotation sensing with trapped ions

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel trapped-ion Sagnac interferometry method for rotation sensing, enabling large-area enclosed measurements in a compact setup with high dynamic range and robustness to thermal states.

Contribution

It introduces a new protocol for rotation measurement using trapped ions that does not require the Lamb-Dicke regime, broadening practical applicability.

Findings

Enables large-area rotation sensing in a compact apparatus

Uses magnetic fields to extend measurement bandwidth and dynamic range

Operates effectively with thermal states containing many phonons

Abstract

We present a protocol for using trapped ions to measure rotations via matter-wave Sagnac interferometry. The trap allows the interferometer to enclose a large area in a compact apparatus through repeated round-trips in a Sagnac geometry. We show how a uniform magnetic field can be used to close the interferometer over a large dynamic range in rotation speed and measurement bandwidth without losing contrast. Since this technique does not require the ions to be confined in the Lamb-Dicke regime, thermal states with many phonons should be sufficient for operation.