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Theoretical investigation of an atomic Fabry Perot interferometer based acceleration sensor for microgravity
Manju Perumbil1,2, Matthew J Blacker3,4, Stuart S Szigeti3
1ITEP, Department of Education, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, India. manjuperumbil@cukerala.ac.in.
NPJ Microgravity
|July 7, 2025
Summary
We explored using an atomic Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) with Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) for space acceleration sensing. Atomic FPIs show potential for high acceleration sensitivity, rivaling Mach-Zender interferometers with future advancements.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Atomic physics
- Interferometry
Background:
- Atomic interferometers offer precise measurement capabilities.
- Space-based sensors require high sensitivity and stability.
- Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) provide a coherent atomic source.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of an atomic Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) as a space-based acceleration sensor.
- To derive an analytic approximation for FPI transmission under uniform acceleration.
- To compute the attainable acceleration sensitivity using classical Fisher information.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a pulsed, non-interacting Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) source.
- Derived an analytic approximation for device transmission under acceleration.
- Calculated acceleration sensitivity via classical Fisher information.
Main Results:
- In ideal conditions, a limited-length atomic FPI can exceed Mach-Zender (MZ) interferometer sensitivity.
- For finite momentum width sources, an optimal cavity length for sensitivity was identified.
- Currently, MZ interferometers offer superior sensitivity in achievable parameter regimes.
Conclusions:
- Atomic FPIs demonstrate potential as future space-based acceleration sensors.
- Engineering narrow momentum width atomic sources is key for FPIs to surpass MZ interferometers.
- This research provides a theoretical framework for optimizing atomic FPIs for acceleration sensing.
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