Design of a monolithic matter-wave interferometer for gravity sensing and navigation

Project Information

Dommigs

Grant agreement ID: 101031712

DOI

10.3030/101031712

Project closed

EC signature date 12 March 2021

Start date 1 November 2021

End date 29 December 2023

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 202 158,72

EU contribution

€ 202 158,72

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITETET I BERGEN
Norway

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Dommigs (Design of a monolithic matter-wave interferometer for gravity sensing and navigation)

Reporting period: 2021-11-01 to 2023-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Atom interferometry stands out as a compassionate tool for high-precision measurements, leveraging interferometric metrology's accuracy and interfering particles' ability to interact with external fields. While successful implementations based on cloud atoms and Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) exist, they come with substantial costs. In contrast, thermal atom beams offer a more economical option but lack the broad beam splitting essential for high sensitivities.

A novel approach employing thermal atom beams and reflective surfaces to separate the beam has been explored to address this limitation. Such a device offers advantages in terms of compactness, affordability, and robustness compared to cold atomic solutions, including BECs. The project set out to achieve the following objectives:

(I) Develop a general theory elucidating the behaviour of reflective atom interferometers.
(II) Formulate theoretical models delineating the interactions within these devices and their effects on interference patterns, thereby assessing their potential as quantum sensors.
(III) Propose experimental implementations tailored for acceleration sensing.

By accomplishing these objectives, the project aims to unlock the full potential of reflective atom interferometers, paving the way for cost-effective and versatile high-precision measurement devices.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The project's primary objective was to devise a comprehensive theory elucidating the emergence of interference patterns in reflective atom interferometers. Conventional wave-propagation methods, both classical and quantum-mechanical, proved inadequate due to the extensive system size relative to the particle's wavelength, resulting in prohibitive numerical costs even on high-performance computing systems.

In response, a multiscale theory was developed, amalgamating surface diffraction, derived from solving the Schrödinger Equation with large-scale ray optics to describe beam superposition. Notably, interactions between the interferometer and beam particles solely influenced surface diffraction, manifesting in scattering angles and amplitudes.

Upon delineating the dependencies within the interferometer, attention turned to potential applications, particularly accelerations. The device's capability as a matter wave monochromator, which alters beam velocity, and its response to external forces acting on the device, which alters inertial systems, were analysed.

However, extensive calculations demonstrated that position dependency did not significantly enhance device sensing performance. Given the high beam velocity in thermal atom interferometers, substantial accelerations were necessary to elicit a measurable effect. Nevertheless, the study showcased the stability of interference pattern positions within desired parameters, highlighting that small accelerations merely induced phase shifts in the interference pattern.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

This project represents a significant advancement in state-of-the-art technology by introducing a novel atom interferometer capable of operating with thermal beams and wide beam separations. This innovative device elevates the capabilities of thermal interferometers, paving the way for enhanced accuracy in high-precision measurements.

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