A compact differential gravimeter at the quantum projection noise limit

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact, transportable quantum gravimeter capable of precise measurements of gravitational acceleration and its gradient, achieving quantum projection noise limits and long-term stability, with promising applications in geophysics and navigation.

Contribution

The development of a portable quantum gravimeter that simultaneously measures gravity and its gradient at quantum noise limits, enhancing stability and potential applications.

Findings

Sensitivity to g is comparable to top industrial gravimeters.

Sensitivity to gravity gradient reaches quantum projection noise limit.

Achieves long-term stability of 0.1 E.

Abstract

Atom interferometry offers new perspectives for geophysics and inertial sensing. We present the industrial prototype of a new type of quantum-based instrument: a compact, transportable, differential quantum gravimeter capable of measuring simultaneously the absolute values of both gravitational acceleration, $g$, and its vertical gradient, $\Gamma_{zz}$. While the sensitivity to g is competitive with the best industrial gravimeters, the sensitivity on $\Gamma_{zz}$ reaches the limit set by quantum projection noise-leading to an unprecedented long-term stability of 0.1 E ($1E=1\times 10^{-9}s^{-2}$). This unique, dual-purpose instrument, paves the way for new applications in geophysics, civil engineering, and gravity-aided navigation, where accurate mapping of the gravitational field plays an important role.