Atom Interferometer on a Chip

This project aims to develop guided atomic interferometer technology, based on micro-wire structures fabricated on an insulated chip. Running currents through the micro-wires generates strong magnetic potentials near the chips surface. We can utilize particular wire geometries to produce strong 2-D and 3-D confinement for cold neutral atoms. We are investigating various designs that will yield atom-wave interferometry with Rubidium atoms. This technology can be used in sensor applications, including atomic gyroscopes.

Concept & Objectives
The objective of the proposed task is to develop guided atom-wave interferometer technology for compact atomic gyroscopes capable of unprecedented sensitivity of 0.1 part per billion of the Earth’s rotation rate. Atom-wave interferometry (atomic interferometry) is a breakthrough technology utilizing the quantum-mechanical wave nature of matter. Atomic rotational sensors based on atomic interferometers can be extremely sensitive because of the large mass energy of the interfering particles.

Programmatic Relevance
Precise rotation sensing capabilities are of significant interest to NASA’s Earth Science (Code Y) and Space Science (Code S) missions. The most commonly known applications of precision rotation sensors are in inertial guidance and navigation. JPL missions benefiting from this capability include Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF), and other missions requiring precision pointing.