65 research outputs found
Enhancing the area of a Raman atom interferometer using a versatile double-diffraction technique
IIn this paper we demonstrate a new scheme for Raman transitions which
realize a symmetric momentum-space splitting of , deflecting the
atomic wave-packets into the same internal state. Combining the advantages of
Raman and Bragg diffraction, we achieve a three pulse state labelled
interferometer, intrinsically insensitive to the main systematics and
applicable to all kind of atomic sources. This splitting scheme can be extended
to momentum transfer by a multipulse sequence and is implemented
on a interferometer. We demonstrate the area enhancement by
measuring inertial forces
Characterization and limits of a cold atom Sagnac interferometer
We present the full evaluation of a cold atom gyroscope based on atom
interferometry. We have performed extensive studies to determine the systematic
errors, scale factor and sensitivity. We demonstrate that the acceleration
noise can be efficiently removed from the rotation signal allowing to reach the
fundamental limit of the quantum projection noise for short term measurements.
The technical limits to the long term sensitivity and accuracy have been
identified, clearing the way for the next generations of ultra-sensitive atom
gyroscopes
6-axis inertial sensor using cold-atom interferometry
We have developed an atom interferometer providing a full inertial base. This
device uses two counter-propagating cold-atom clouds that are launched in
strongly curved parabolic trajectories. Three single Raman beam pairs, pulsed
in time, are successively applied in three orthogonal directions leading to the
measurement of the three axis of rotation and acceleration. In this purpose, we
introduce a new atom gyroscope using a butterfly geometry. We discuss the
present sensitivity and the possible improvements.Comment: submitted to PR
Interference-filter-stabilized external-cavity diode lasers
We have developed external-cavity diode lasers, where the wavelength
selection is assured by a low loss interference filter instead of the common
diffraction grating. The filter allows a linear cavity design reducing the
sensitivity of the wavelength and the external cavity feedback against
misalignment. By separating the feedback and wavelength selection functions,
both can be optimized independently leading to an increased tunability of the
laser. The design is employed for the generation of laser light at 698, 780 and
852 nm. Its characteristics make it a well suited candidate for space-born
lasers.Comment: 12 pages, 5 figure
Measurement of the sensitivity function in time-domain atomic interferometer
submitted to IEEE Trans. Instrum. Meas.We present here an analysis of the sensitivity of a time-domain atomic interferometer to the phase noise of the lasers used to manipulate the atomic wave-packets. The sensitivity function is calculated in the case of a three pulse Mach-Zehnder interferometer, which is the configuration of the two inertial sensors we are building at BNM-SYRTE. We successfully compare this calculation to experimental measurements. The sensitivity of the interferometer is limited by the phase noise of the lasers, as well as by residual vibrations. We evaluate the performance that could be obtained with state of the art quartz oscillators, as well as the impact of the residual phase noise of the phase-lock loop. Requirements on the level of vibrations is derived from the same formalism
Low noise amplication of an optically carried microwave signal: application to atom interferometry
In this paper, we report a new scheme to amplify a microwave signal carried
on a laser light at =852nm. The amplification is done via a
semiconductor tapered amplifier and this scheme is used to drive stimulated
Raman transitions in an atom interferometer. Sideband generation in the
amplifier, due to self-phase and amplitude modulation, is investigated and
characterized. We also demonstrate that the amplifier does not induce any
significant phase-noise on the beating signal. Finally, the degradation of the
performances of the interferometer due to the amplification process is shown to
be negligible
CARIOQA: Definition of a Quantum Pathfinder Mission
A strong potential gain for space applications is expected from the
anticipated performances of inertial sensors based on cold atom interferometry
(CAI) that measure the acceleration of freely falling independent atoms by
manipulating them with laser light. In this context, CNES and its partners
initiated a phase 0 study, called CARIOQA, in order to develop a Quantum
Pathfinder Mission unlocking key features of atom interferometry for space and
paving the way for future ambitious space missions utilizing this technology.
As a cornerstone for the implementation of quantum sensors in space, the
CARIOQA phase 0 aimed at defining the Quantum Pathfinder Mission's scenario and
associated performance objectives. To comply with these objectives, the payload
architecture has been designed to achieve long interrogation time and active
rotation compensation on a BEC-based atom interferometer. A study of the
satellite architecture, including all the subsystems, has been conducted.
Several technical solutions for propulsion and attitude control have been
investigated in order to guarantee optimal operating conditions (limitation of
micro-vibrations, maximization of measurement time). A preliminary design of
the satellite platform was performed.Comment: Proceedings of International Conference on Space Optics (ICSO) 2022;
3-7 October 2022; Dubrovnik; Croati
Detecting inertial effects with airborne matter-wave interferometry
Inertial sensors relying on atom interferometry offer a breakthrough advance
in a variety of applications, such as inertial navigation, gravimetry or
ground- and space-based tests of fundamental physics. These instruments require
a quiet environment to reach their performance and using them outside the
laboratory remains a challenge. Here we report the first operation of an
airborne matter-wave accelerometer set up aboard a 0g plane and operating
during the standard gravity (1g) and microgravity (0g) phases of the flight. At
1g, the sensor can detect inertial effects more than 300 times weaker than the
typical acceleration fluctuations of the aircraft. We describe the improvement
of the interferometer sensitivity in 0g, which reaches 2 x 10-4 ms-2 / \surdHz
with our current setup. We finally discuss the extension of our method to
airborne and spaceborne tests of the Universality of free fall with matter
waves.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figures. The final version of this article is available in
OPEN access (free) from the editor website at
http://www.nature.com/ncomms/journal/v2/n9/full/ncomms1479.htm
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