Space magnetometry with a differential atom interferometer

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the use of differential atom interferometers aboard the ISS for high-precision space magnetometry, enabling magnetic field mapping and advancing quantum sensing in space environments.

Contribution

It introduces space-based differential atom interferometry for magnetic field measurements, showcasing experimental results from NASA's Cold Atom Lab.

Findings

Successful orbital magnetometry campaigns conducted in space.

Demonstrated magnetic field curvature mapping using atom interferometers.

Paved the way for future space quantum sensing missions.

Abstract

Atom interferometers deployed in space are excellent tools for high precision measurements, navigation, or Earth observation. In particular, differential interferometric setups feature common-mode noise suppression and enable reliable measurements in the presence of ambient platform noise. Here we report on orbital magnetometry campaigns performed with differential single- and double-loop interferometers in NASA's Cold Atom Lab aboard the International Space Station. By comparing measurements with atoms in magnetically sensitive and insensitive states, we have realized atomic magnetometers mapping magnetic field curvatures. Our results pave the way towards precision quantum sensing missions in space.