Application of atom interferometric technology for GPS independent navigation and time solutions

The maturity of Atomic Interferometry from laboratory science, based on Nobel Prize level Physics, to potential product insertion into Precision Navigation and Timing applications has been a 20 year journey. Lockheed Martin has been working with the Atom Interferometric technology development teams and evaluating potential applications of Atom Interferometric sensors for > 15 years. Technology insertion of high precision sensors, into tactical programs, e.g.: Ring Laser Gyros replacing mechanical gyros, was slow to happen and required extensive sensor development and qualification, corporate systems integration, and both government and private company investment. Atom Interferometric sensors now are at that stage where discussion of technology insertion, in the fields of inertial sensing (gyroscopes and accelerometers) gravity sensing (gravimeters and gradiometers), and precision timing, can be considered. This paper presents overviews of Atom Interferometric (AI) theory, AI inertial sensors and gravity sensors, and discusses approaches for combining currently available AI inertial sensors with conventional inertial sensor technology to provide GPS independent navigation solutions.