Atom interferometers and optical atomic clocks: New quantum sensors for fundamental physics experiments in space

AbstractAtom interferometry is one of the most promising technologies for high precision measurements. It has the potential to revolutionise many different sectors, such as navigation and positioning, resource exploration, geophysical studies, and fundamental physics. After decades of research in the field of cold atoms, the technology has reached a stage where commercialisation of cold atom interferometers has become possible. This article describes recent developments, challenges, and prospects for quantum sensors for inertial sensing based on cold atom interferometry techniques.

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Proposals for fundamental physics experiments under weightlessness conditions

Acta Astronautica ◽

10.1016/j.actaastro.2004.05.033 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 55 (3-9) ◽

pp. 161-167

Author(s):

H Dittus ◽

C Lämmerzahl ◽

N Lockerbie

Keyword(s):

Fundamental Physics ◽

Physics Experiments

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FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICS EXPERIMENTS IN SPACE (WITHIN ESA)

CPT and Lorentz Symmetry ◽

10.1142/9789812779519_0006 ◽

2008 ◽

Author(s):

T. J. SUMNER

Keyword(s):

Fundamental Physics ◽

Physics Experiments

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Terrestrial gravity fluctuations

Living Reviews in Relativity ◽

10.1007/s41114-019-0022-2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Jan Harms

Keyword(s):

Gravitational Wave ◽

Early Warning Systems ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Noise Mitigation ◽

Fundamental Physics ◽

Terrestrial Gravity ◽

Gravitational Wave Detectors ◽

Density Perturbations ◽

New Generation ◽

Physics Experiments

Abstract Terrestrial gravity fluctuations are a target of scientific studies in a variety of fields within geophysics and fundamental-physics experiments involving gravity such as the observation of gravitational waves. In geophysics, these fluctuations are typically considered as signal that carries information about processes such as fault ruptures and atmospheric density perturbations. In fundamental-physics experiments, it appears as environmental noise, which needs to be avoided or mitigated. This article reviews the current state-of-the-art of modeling high-frequency terrestrial gravity fluctuations and of gravity-noise mitigation strategies. It hereby focuses on frequencies above about 50 mHz, which allows us to simplify models of atmospheric gravity perturbations (beyond Brunt–Väisälä regime) and it guarantees as well that gravitational forces on elastic media can be treated as perturbation. Extensive studies have been carried out over the past two decades to model contributions from seismic and atmospheric fields especially by the gravitational-wave community. While terrestrial gravity fluctuations above 50 mHz have not been observed conclusively yet, sensitivity of instruments for geophysical observations and of gravitational-wave detectors is improving, and we can expect first observations in the coming years. The next challenges include the design of gravity-noise mitigation systems to be implemented in current gravitational-wave detectors, and further improvement of models for future gravitational-wave detectors where terrestrial gravity noise will play a more important role. Also, many aspects of the recent proposition to use a new generation of gravity sensors to improve real-time earthquake early-warning systems still require detailed analyses.

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Chronometric measurements in geodesy and geophysics

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-21892 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Pacôme Delva ◽

Guillaume Lion

Keyword(s):

General Relativity ◽

Dark Matter ◽

High Spatial Resolution ◽

Relativistic Effects ◽

Atomic Clocks ◽

Fundamental Physics ◽

Geodynamic Processes ◽

New Ideas ◽

Mass Transfers

<p>At the beginning of the 20th century the theories of special and general relativity were developed by Einstein and his contemporaries. These physical theories revolutionize our conceptions of time and of the measurement of time. The atomic clocks, which appeared in the 1950s, are so accurate and stable that it is now essential to take into account many relativistic effects. The development and worldwide comparisons of such atomic clocks allowed for some of the most stringent of fundamental physics, as well as new ideas for the search of dark matter. On a more applied level, when taking general relativity for granted, distant comparisons of atomic clocks can be used for navigation and positioning, as well as the determination of the geopotential. I will show how the chronometric observables can fit and be used within the context of classical geodesy and geophysics, presenting various applications: determination of the geopotential with high spatial resolution, vertical reference system, and discussing the possible applications associated to the geodynamic processes related to mass transfers.</p>

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A testing ground for fundamental physics: Gravity Probe B and other fundamental physics experiments in space

Nuclear Physics B - Proceedings Supplements ◽

10.1016/j.nuclphysbps.2013.09.026 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 243-244 ◽

pp. 172-179 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Paul W. Worden ◽

C.W. Francis Everitt

Keyword(s):

Fundamental Physics ◽

Gravity Probe B ◽

Testing Ground ◽

Gravity Probe ◽

Physics Experiments

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Use of low-noise dc-SQUIDs in fundamental physics experiments

Journal de Physique IV (Proceedings) ◽

10.1051/jp4:1998347 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 08 (PR3) ◽

pp. Pr3-215-Pr3-220

Author(s):

P. Carelli ◽

M. G. Castellano ◽

R. Leoni ◽

G. Torrioli

Keyword(s):

Low Noise ◽

Fundamental Physics ◽

Physics Experiments

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FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICS ACTIVITIES IN THE HME DIRECTORATE OF THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY

International Journal of Modern Physics D ◽

10.1142/s0218271807011255 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 16 (12a) ◽

pp. 1957-1966

Author(s):

LUIGI CACCIAPUOTI ◽

OLIVIER MINSTER

Keyword(s):

Inertial Sensors ◽

European Space Agency ◽

Atomic Clock ◽

Space Station ◽

Matter Wave ◽

Microgravity Environment ◽

Atomic Clocks ◽

Space Applications ◽

Fundamental Physics ◽

Space Agency

The Human Spaceflight, Microgravity, and Exploration (HME) Directorate of the European Space Agency is strongly involved in fundamental physics research. One of the major activities in this field is represented by the ACES (Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space) mission. ACES will demonstrate the high performances of a new generation of atomic clocks in the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS). Following ACES, a vigorous research program has been recently approved to develop a second generation of atomic quantum sensors for space applications: atomic clocks in the optical domain, aiming at fractional frequency stability and accuracy in the low 10-18 regime; inertial sensors based on matter-wave interferometry for the detection of tiny accelerations and rotations; a facility to study degenerate Bose gases in space. Tests of quantum physics on large distance scales represent another important issue addressed in the HME program. A quantum communication optical terminal has been proposed to perform a test of Bell's inequalities on pairs of entangled photons emitted by a source located on the ISS and detected by two ground stations. In this paper, present activities and future plans will be described and discussed.

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