Using atom interferometry to measure gravity

Abstract

The interference of matter waves is a direct consequence of wave-particle duality and lies at the heart of quantum mechanics. Today, with the validity of quantum theory being widely ascertained, we are beyond proof-of-principle demonstrations and are transforming this phenomenon into a measurement tool for practical applications via the development of quantum technologies. Atom interferometry is a special type of quantum technology, which is particularly suitable for the detection of gravity. Its potential for absolute, low-drift measurements with options for noise suppression could bring wide-ranging benefits for applications that are important across economies. This journey from the laboratory into the real world of applications requires the understanding and mitigation of the effects of external influences on the system.

Keywords:

• Atom interferometry
• quantum sensing
• gravimetry
• gradiometry

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge Ben Stray and Kevin Ridley for proof-reading the manuscript, and Farzad Hayati for providing additional figure material.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1 In order for their momentum kicks to accumulate and not cancel out.

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge funding from UKRI/EPSRC within the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Timing EP/T001046/1 and from the Ministry of Defence, as part of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme.

Notes on contributors

Samuel Lellouch

Samuel Lellouch is a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham, lead of theory and modelling within the Atom Interferometry research group, and a member of the UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensing and Timing. His research focuses on the development of digital twins for quantum sensors and on the design of interferometric schemes and atom optics protocols to improve sensing performance.

Kai Bongs

Kai Bongs is Chair for Cold Atoms and Director of Innovation for the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Birmingham. He is the Principal Investigator of the UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensing and Timing. His research focuses on the transition of quantum sensor science into real-world applications.

Michael Holynski

Michael Holynski is Chair of Atom Interferometry at the University of Birmingham, where he is also Head of Innovation for the School of Physics and Astronomy. He leads the Atom Interferometry research group, where his research focuses on atom interferometry for fundamental and practical applications.