Atom interferometry on the International Space Station

Abstract

Matter-wave interferometers based on Bose-Einstein condensates are exquisite tools for precision measurements, relativistic geodesy, and Earth observation. Employing this quantum technology in space further increases the sensitivity of the measurements due to the extended free fall times enabled by microgravity. Here we report on a series of experiments performed with NASA’s Cold Atom Lab aboard the ISS demonstrating atom interferometers with different geometries in orbit. By comparing measurements with atoms in magnetic sensitive and insensitive states we have realized atomic magnetometers mapping the residual magnetic background in the apparatus. Our results pave the way towards future quantum sensing missions with cold atoms in space.