Bonn 2001 – wissenschaftliches Programm

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GR: Gravitation und Relativitätstheorie

GR 1: Fundamentalphysik im Weltraum

GR 1.3: Vortrag

Montag, 26. März 2001, 15:30–16:00, VII

Hyper Precision Atom Interferometry In Space — •Ernst Maria Rasel, Christian Jentsch, and Wolfgang Ertmer — Institut für Quantenoptik, Welfengarten 1, 30167 Hannover, Germany

Matter-wave interferometry based on cold atoms is one of the most promising techniques for future inertial sensors or gyroscopes with an unprecedented short-time sensitivity. These sensors will lead the way to new tests of general relativity or have applications such as deep space navigation. We report on a novel European project, called HYPER, to send four cold atom interferometer on board of a drag-free satellite to Space. During the mission, several measurements will be performed, e.g. the mapping of the gravito-magnetic field of the Earth for at least one year. A free-falling satellite is the most favourite environment for matter wave sensors based on cold atoms providing a perfect calm location in absence of gravitation and sub-Hz perturbations. Presently, we are developing a compact Cold Atom Sagnac Interferometer (CASI) for experiments on Earth which will serve as a prototype for the HYPER mission.