Real-Time Scale-factor Calibration for Cold-Atom Gyroscope based on Point-Source Interferometry

Point-source interferometry (PSI) is a promising technique that enables the realization of compact and multi-axis cold-atom inertial sensors. However, scale-factor errors in the rotational signal, due to the shape and size of the initial atomic distribution, constitute a major drawback. In this paper, we present a method for calibrating the rotational scale-factor. This method relies on the application of a known bias rotation and a compensation scheme that decouples the PSI sensor from the vehicle’s rotational dynamics. We employ a Kalman filter protocol to track the scale-factor error, paving the way for real-time implementation of the calibration method. Through simulations, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the method and the stabilization of the PSI sensor scale-factor.