Tracking the Vector Acceleration with a Hybrid Quantum Accelerometer Triad

TL;DR

This paper introduces a hybrid quantum-classical 3-axis accelerometer that significantly improves stability, accuracy, and data rate for vector acceleration tracking, advancing inertial navigation technology.

Contribution

It presents the first hybrid quantum accelerometer combining atom interferometry with classical sensors for full vector acceleration measurement.

Findings

50-fold improvement in stability over classical accelerometers

Absolute magnitude accuracy below 10 μg

Pointing accuracy of 4 μrad

Abstract

Robust and accurate acceleration tracking remains a challenge in many fields. For geophysics and economic geology, precise gravity mapping requires onboard sensors combined with accurate positioning and navigation systems. Cold-atom-based quantum inertial sensors can potentially provide such high-precision instruments. However, current scalar instruments require precise alignment with vector quantities. Here, we present the first hybrid three-axis accelerometer exploiting the quantum advantage to measure the full acceleration vector by combining three orthogonal atom interferometer measurements with a classical navigation-grade accelerometer triad. Its ultra-low bias permits tracking the acceleration vector over long timescales -- yielding a 50-fold improvement in stability ($6 \times 10^{-8}~g$) over our classical accelerometers. We record the acceleration vector at a high data rate (1 kHz), with absolute magnitude accuracy below 10 $\mu g$, and pointing accuracy of 4 $\mu$rad. This paves the way toward future strapdown applications with quantum sensors and highlights their potential as future inertial navigation units.