Advances in Atom Interferometry and their Impacts on the Performance of Quantum Accelerometers On-board Future Satellite Gravity Missions

authored by: Alireza HosseiniArani, Manuel Schilling, Quentin Beaufils, Annike Knabe, Benjamin Tennstedt, Alexey Kupriyanov, Steffen Schön, Franck Pereira dos Santos, Jürgen Müller
Abstract: Recent advances in cold atom interferometry have cleared the path for space applications of quantum inertial sensors, whose level of stability is expected to increase dramatically with the longer interrogation times accessible in space. In this study, an in-orbit model is developed for a Mach–Zehnder-type cold-atom accelerometer. Performance tests are realized under different assumptions about the positioning and rotation compensation method, and the impact of various sources of errors on instrument stability is evaluated. Current and future advances for space-based atom interferometry are discussed, and their impact on the performance of quantum sensors on-board satellite gravity missions is investigated in three different scenarios: state-of-the-art scenario (expected to be ready to launch in 5 years), near-future (expected to be launched in the next 10 to 15 years) and far-future scenarios (expected for the next 20 to 25 years). Our results indicate that the highest sensitivity is achievable by positioning the electrostatic accelerometer at the center of mass of the satellite and the quantum accelerometer aside, on the cross-track axis of the satellite. We show that one can achieve a sensitivity level close to 5 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s²/Hz with the current state-of-the-art technology. We also estimate that in the near and far-future, atom interferometry in space is expected to achieve sensitivity levels of 1 × 10⁻¹¹ m/s²/Hz and 1 × 10⁻¹² m/s²/Hz, respectively. A roadmap for improvements in atom interferometry is provided that would maximize the performance of future quantum accelerometers, considering their technical capabilities. Finally, the possibility and challenges of having ultra-sensitive atom interferometry in space for future space missions are discussed.
Organisation(s): Institute of Geodesy
External Organisation(s): German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Observatoire de Paris (OBSPARIS)
Type: Article
Journal: Advances in space research
Volume: 74
Pages: 3186-3200
No. of pages: 15
ISSN: 0273-1177
Publication date: 01.10.2024
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Aerospace Engineering, Geophysics
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2024.06.055 (Access: Open)
: Details in the research portal "Research@Leibniz University"

BibTeX

@article{bdbba8b23a0f49249cea9c7172791145,
title = "Advances in Atom Interferometry and their Impacts on the Performance of Quantum Accelerometers On-board Future Satellite Gravity Missions",
abstract = "Recent advances in cold atom interferometry have cleared the path for space applications of quantum inertial sensors, whose level of stability is expected to increase dramatically with the longer interrogation times accessible in space. In this study, an in-orbit model is developed for a Mach–Zehnder-type cold-atom accelerometer. Performance tests are realized under different assumptions about the positioning and rotation compensation method, and the impact of various sources of errors on instrument stability is evaluated. Current and future advances for space-based atom interferometry are discussed, and their impact on the performance of quantum sensors on-board satellite gravity missions is investigated in three different scenarios: state-of-the-art scenario (expected to be ready to launch in 5 years), near-future (expected to be launched in the next 10 to 15 years) and far-future scenarios (expected for the next 20 to 25 years). Our results indicate that the highest sensitivity is achievable by positioning the electrostatic accelerometer at the center of mass of the satellite and the quantum accelerometer aside, on the cross-track axis of the satellite. We show that one can achieve a sensitivity level close to 5 × 10−10 m/s2/Hz with the current state-of-the-art technology. We also estimate that in the near and far-future, atom interferometry in space is expected to achieve sensitivity levels of 1 × 10−11 m/s2/Hz and 1 × 10−12 m/s2/Hz, respectively. A roadmap for improvements in atom interferometry is provided that would maximize the performance of future quantum accelerometers, considering their technical capabilities. Finally, the possibility and challenges of having ultra-sensitive atom interferometry in space for future space missions are discussed.",
keywords = "Atom interferometry, CAI accelerometer, Inertial sensors, Quantum accelerometers, Quantum sensors, Satellite gravimetry, Satellite gravity missions",
author = "Alireza HosseiniArani and Manuel Schilling and Quentin Beaufils and Annike Knabe and Benjamin Tennstedt and Alexey Kupriyanov and Steffen Sch{\"o}n and {Pereira dos Santos}, Franck and J{\"u}rgen M{\"u}ller",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2024 COSPAR",
year = "2024",
month = oct,
day = "1",
doi = "10.1016/j.asr.2024.06.055",
language = "English",
volume = "74",
pages = "3186--3200",
journal = "Advances in space research",
issn = "0273-1177",
publisher = "Elsevier Ltd.",
number = "7",
}