A compact and portable atom interferometry system

Earl, Luuk (2021). A compact and portable atom interferometry system. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

Earl2021PhD.pdf
Text - Accepted Version
Available under License All rights reserved.
Download (4MB) | Preview

Abstract

The techniques of atom interferometry, which perform the most sensitive absolute gravity measurements to date [1], also offer potential improvement for portable sensors. For this application, atom interferometry systems must be made more portable by reducing the size, weight and power consumption while improving robustness to changing environmental conditions. This thesis presents the design and production of a compact and portable atom interferometry system. A single device with a volume of 72 L, a weight of 17.6 kg and a power consumption of 97 W was created.

A measurement scheme for gravity gradiometry in a compact package and short timescale is introduced. In addition, the design and construction of a single-arm laser system is presented. This uses a novel approach to produce two independently tuneable frequency components, capable of performing various atom-optics processes with rubidium 87. An atomic ensemble of \(\sim 4.5 \pm 0.5 \times 10^8\) atoms of rubidium 87 was demonstrated, with two independent temperature measurement techniques giving T = 7 \(\pm\) 2 \(\mu K\) and 5 \(\pm\) 2 \(\mu K\). This verifies the operation of the individual sub-systems. Rabi oscillations between the ground states of the 5 \(^2\)S\(_{1/2}\) line using both a microwave antenna and a two-photon Raman transition are demonstrated, showing the ability of the system to perform coherent population transfer.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):