BEC quantum sensors for gravimetry on Earth and in space

Abstract

Quantum sensors utilising atom interferometry offer new perspectives for future gravity missions. The atom interferometer therein promises long-term stable measurements and high accuracy, complementing or possibly replacing established sensor concepts.Several different experiments based on this principle demonstrated measurements of gravitational accelerations and gravity gradients. Additionally, dedicated setups showed operation in microgravity environments and tested concepts for future space missions. A core feature of these setups is the robust generation of Bose-Einstein condensates with subsequent matter-wave collimation to generate a well-defined input state extending interferometry times and suppressing error terms.We will present the state-of-the-art in interferometers using Bose-Einstein condensates, focused on the Quantum Gravimeter QG-1 and our microgravity activities, and discuss concepts for the implementation in future space missions.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) in - Project-ID 434617780 - the SFB 1464 TerraQ within the projects A01, A02 and A03, and under Germany's Excellence Strategy - EXC-2123 QuantumFrontiers - Project-ID 390837967.