Dual matter-wave inertial sensors in weightlessness.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 27941928.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/ncomms13786 and PMC identifier 5159825.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Quantum technology based on cold-atom interferometers is showing great promise for fields such as inertial sensing and fundamental physics. However, the finite free-fall time of the atoms limits the precision achievable on Earth, while in space interrogation times of many seconds will lead to unprecedented sensitivity. Here we realize simultaneous <sup>87</sup>Rb-<sup>39</sup>K interferometers capable of operating in the weightless environment produced during parabolic flight. Large vibration levels (10<sup>-2</sup> g Hz<sup>-1/2</sup>), variations in acceleration (0-1.8 g) and rotation rates (5° s<sup>-1</sup>) onboard the aircraft present significant challenges. We demonstrate the capability of our correlated quantum system by measuring the Eötvös parameter with systematic-limited uncertainties of 1.1 × 10<sup>-3</sup> and 3.0 × 10<sup>-4</sup> during standard- and microgravity, respectively. This constitutes a fundamental test of the equivalence principle using quantum sensors in a free-falling vehicle. Our results are applicable to inertial navigation, and can be extended to the trajectory of a satellite for future space missions.