QUANTUM GRAVIMETER

  • Quantum
  • Sensing
  • Gravimetry

Gravity sensing using matter wave interferometry

A field deployable quantum sensor for measuring local gravity using atom interferometry with applications in underground surveying.

The quantum gravimeter, the first commercial device of its kind in the UK, uses quantum interference of matter waves to measure the local value of gravitational acceleration, or ‘g’, with very high precision. Objects with different mass cause small fluctuations in the value of g measured on the surface of the Earth. The quantum gravimeter can be used to sense these objects hidden under the surface in a non-intrusive manner.

APPLICATIONS

  • Geodesy and earth observation
  • Archaeology
  • Surveying
  • Mineral prospecting
  • Underground infrastructure assessment
  • Navigation

FEATURES

  • Transportable system
  • Single Equinox pumping two SolsTiS lasers
  • All frequencies for laser cooling and atom interferometry generated by fast tuning of two lasers
  • Low-noise phase locked laser system allows precise manipulation of atomic states
  • Simple digital control system for controlling experimental sequences

CORE SYSTEM COMPONENTS & MODULES

Photonics package:

  • Equinox 18 W
  • Dual SolsTiS lasers
  • Vapour Cell Lock
  • Ice Bloc Phase lock
  • Ice Bloc DCS

Physics package (First Generation):

  • Compact vacuum chamber
  • Vacuum chamber weight < 20 kg
  • Background vapour-loaded 3D MOT
  • Magnetic field nulling
  • 150 ms atom interrogation region
  • Low noise atom detection
  • Vibration isolation and MEMS feedback available

SYSTEM CONTROL

  • Full optical control with intuitive software
  • Laser tuning, frequency generation, light shuttering, data collection and triggering control via Ice Bloc DCS
  • Phase lock controlled with Ice Bloc PL
  • Lasers controlled with standard SolsTiS and Equinox interface
  • Remote control via TCP/IP

Specifications (FIRST GENERATION SYSTEM)

INTERFEROMETER
FOOTPRINT 0.7 m x 0.7 m
ATOMIC SPECIES 87RB
ATOM NUMBER> 1 x 107
3D MOT LOADING RATE107 atoms per second
INTERFEROMETER TIME T = 50 ms
CLOUD TEMPERATURE15 μK
REPETITION RATE> 0.5 Hz
PRECISIONPrecision is 1.3 x 10-7g
LASERS AND ELECTRONICS
POWER CONSUMPTION < 500 W
FOOTPRINT 1 m x 0.7 m
PUMP LASER Equinox 18 W
LASERS 2 x SolsTiS
SPECTROSCOPY LOCKTunable Vapour Cell Lock with 1-2 GHz offset from 85Rb spectroscopy feature
PHASE LOCKTunable 6.8 GHz phase lock, with < 11 mrad phase noise
LASER TUNING RATE (LASERS LOCKED) ~1 GHz per ms

GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR SPECIALISTS

Or if you’d prefer to speak to someone in person, please phone +44 (0)1483 685 170

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LASER ENQUIRIES

Phone +44 (0)141 945 0500

Head Office

 

Phone +1-617-401-2368

USA

MICROSCOPE ENQUIRIES

Phone +44 (0)1483 685170

M Squared Life