Dual matter-wave inertial sensors in weightlessness

Area of Science:

• Quantum technology and atomic physics
• Fundamental physics and metrology

Background:

• Cold-atom interferometers offer high precision for inertial sensing and fundamental physics.
• Limited free-fall time on Earth restricts achievable precision; space-based experiments enable longer interrogation times and enhanced sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To realize simultaneous Rubidium-87 (⁸⁷Rb) and Potassium-39 (³⁹K) interferometers in a weightless environment.
• To test the equivalence principle using quantum sensors in a free-falling vehicle.
• To assess the applicability of this quantum system for inertial navigation and future space missions.

Main Methods:

• Development and operation of simultaneous ⁸⁷Rb-³⁹K atom interferometers during parabolic flights.
• Mitigation of significant environmental challenges including high vibration levels, acceleration variations, and rotation rates.
• Measurement of the Eötvös parameter under standard and microgravity conditions.

Main Results:

• Successful operation of correlated quantum sensors in the challenging environment of parabolic flight.
• Measurement of the Eötvös parameter with systematic-limited uncertainties of 1.1 × 10⁻³ (standard gravity) and 3.0 × 10⁻⁴ (microgravity).
• Demonstration of quantum sensors' capability in a free-falling vehicle, providing a fundamental test of the equivalence principle.

Conclusions:

• The realized simultaneous atom interferometers are robust against environmental disturbances encountered during parabolic flights.
• The achieved precision in measuring the Eötvös parameter validates the potential of quantum sensors for fundamental physics tests.
• The technology is directly applicable to inertial navigation and can be extended for advanced satellite-based space missions.