Progresses in laser cooling and manipulation of atoms have made it possible to utilize
atom interferometry for practical applications. At JPL, we are developing the atom
interferometer technology and inertial sensing instruments for applications such as
planetery gravity field mapping, underground structure detection, autonomous inertial
navigation, and precision measurements of fundamental physics.
The Quantum Interferometer Test of the Equivalence Principle (QuITE) is a proposed
space mission concept that promises to test the Einstein Equivalence Principle
at a new and interesting level. The experiment employs two co-located atom
interferometers of different atomic species and measures the absolute single
axis differential acceleration. JPL is part of the PI team as well as responsible
for the technology development for the mission.
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.
