Concept of a miniature atomic sensor

We present preliminary results of our research program towards multi-axis quantum acceleration sensors in a compact package, using Bloch oscillations of matter waves to provide large momentum transfer. The projected performance is discussed. We demonstrate the first Mach-Zehnder atom interferometer in which a cavity mode is used for addressing the atoms.

I. Introduction

Light pulse atom interferometers are inherently very stable. The atoms' trajectories are defined by the momentum of photons transferred to the atoms in light-matter interactions, allowing us to harness the accuracy of the wavevector for inertial measurements. Systematic effects for light-atom interactions are well understood. As a result, state-of-the-art laboratory-based atom interferometers have been consistently meeting or exceeding requirements for navigation, e.g., 10⁻⁶ and 10⁻⁴ deg/h bias stability for linear acceleration and rotation [1]. Systematic effects have been analyzed in the literature and are thus well understood, even at levels of resolution and sensitivity equal or better than required here [2], [3]. However, it remains a challenge to make such performance available in a compact package. This may require new large momentum transfer technologies, which are much less well-understood.