Atom interferometry using $\sigma^+$-$\sigma^-$ Raman transitions between $F=1,m_F=\mp1$ and $F=2,m_F=\pm1$

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a novel atom interferometry-based horizontal accelerometer using $\sigma^+$-$\sigma^-$ Raman transitions in $^{87}$Rb, offering advantages in geometry, polarization, and magnetic control, with high sensitivity for inertial sensing.

Contribution

Introduces a new Raman transition scheme for atom interferometry that simplifies geometry and enhances control, improving inertial measurement capabilities.

Findings

Achieved a short-term sensitivity of 25×10^{-5} m/s^2/Hz^{1/2}.

Demonstrated horizontal acceleration measurement in near-zero velocity regime.

Discussed effects of spontaneous emission, light-shifts, and magnetic inhomogeneities.

Abstract

We report on the experimental demonstration of a horizontal accelerometer based on atom interferometry using counterpropagative Raman transitions between the states $F=1,m_F=\mp1$ and $F=2,m_F=\pm1$ of $^{87}$Rb. Compared to the $F=1,m_F=0 \leftrightarrow F=2,m_F=0$ transition usually used in atom interferometry, our scheme presents the advantages to have only a single counterpropagating transition allowed in a retroreected geometry, to use the same polarization configuration than the magneto-optical trap and to allow the control of the atom trajectory with magnetic forces. We demonstrate horizontal acceleration measurement in a close-to-zero velocity regime using a singlediffraction Raman process with a short-term sensitivity of $25 \times 10^{-5}$ m.s$^{-2}$.Hz$^{-1/2}$. We discuss specific features of the technique such as spontaneous emission, light-shifts and effects of magnetic field inhomogeneities. We finally give possible applications of this technique in metrology or for cold-atom inertial sensors dedicated to onboard applications.