SAI: a compact atom interferometer for future space missions

• Published in: Microgravity science and technology 2010, Vol.22 (4), p.551-561
• Main Authors: Sorrentino, Fiodor, Bongs, Kai, Bouyer, Philippe, Cacciapuoti, Luigi, de Angelis, Marella, Dittus, Hansjorg, Ertmer, Wolfgang, Giorgini, Antonio, Hartwig, Jonas, Hauth, Matthias, Herrmann, Sven, Inguscio, Massimo, Kajari, Endre, K\{ae}nemann, Thorben, L\{ae}mmerzahl, Claus, Landragin, Arnaud, Modugno, Giovanni, Santos, Frank Pereira Dos, Peters, Achim, Prevedelli, Marco, Rasel, Ernst M., Schleich, Wolfgang P., Schmidt, Malte, Senger, Alexander, Sengstok, Klaus, Stern, Guillaume, Tino, Guglielmo M., Walser, Reinhold
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Physics; Space Physics
• ISSN: 0938-0108; 1875-0494

Atom interferometry represents a quantum leap in the technology for the ultra-precise monitoring of accelerations and rotations and, therefore, for all the science that relies on the latter quantities. These sensors evolved from a new kind of optics based on matter-waves rather than light-waves and might result in an advancement of the fundamental detection limits by several orders of magnitude. Matter-wave optics is still a young, but rapidly progressing science. The Space Atom Interferometer project (SAI), funded by the European Space Agency, in a multi-pronged approach aims to investigate both experimentally and theoretically the various aspects of placing atom interferometers in space: the equipment needs, the realistically expected performance limits and potential scientific applications in a micro-gravity environment considering all aspects of quantum, relativistic and metrological sciences. A drop-tower compatible prototype of a single-axis atom interferometry accelerometer is under construction. At the same time the team is studying new schemes, e.g. based on degenerate quantum gases as source for the interferometer. A drop-tower compatible atom interferometry acceleration sensor prototype has been designed, and the manufacturing of its subsystems has been started. A compact modular laser system for cooling and trapping rubidium atoms has been assembled. A compact Raman laser module, featuring outstandingly low phase noise, has been realized. Possible schemes to implement coherent atomic sources in the atom interferometer have been experimentally demonstrated.