Mainz 2017 – scientific programme

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A: Fachverband Atomphysik

A 13: Precision Measurements and Metrology: Interferometry I (with Q)

A 13.5: Talk

Tuesday, March 7, 2017, 12:00–12:15, P 104

First gravity gradient measurements with the gravimetric atom interferometer GAIN — Bastian Leykauf, Christian Freier, •Vladimir Schkolnik, Matthias Hauth, Markus Krutzik, and Achim Peters — Institut für Physik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

The gravimetric atom interferometer GAIN is based on interfering ensembles of laser-cooled ⁸⁷Rb atoms in a fountain setup, using stimulated Raman transitions. GAIN’s rugged design allows for transports to sites of geodetic and geophysical interest while maintaining a high accuracy compatible with the best classical instruments. Its long-term stability of 0.5 nm/s² and the effective control over systematic effects, including Raman beam wavefront aberrations, has previously been reported [1,2], demonstrating the unique properties of atomic sensors.

By using the juggling technique, we are able to perform gravity measurements on two atomic clouds simultaneously. Advantages include the suppression of common mode phase noise, enabling differential phase shift extraction without the need for vibration isolation. We will present the results of our first gravity gradient measurements.
[1] Schkolnik et al. The effect of wavefront aberrations in atom interferometry, Applied Physics B (2015)
[2] Freier et al. Mobile quantum gravity sensor with unprecedented stability, Journal of Physics: Conference Series (2016)