Atom inteferometry and its applications

原子干涉测量是一种传感技术，与传统的基于光的干涉测量方法大致类似，其中物质波相互干扰，而不是光。除了在基础科学中的应用外，它还为高度灵敏的惯性力检测提供了潜力。它正迅速成为更广泛的量子技术领域的基石。利物浦大学目前有一台可操作的原子干涉仪。该项目将监督其升级版本的实现，在原始设备的基础上进行改进，大大延长了审讯时间。原子干涉仪是一个复杂的系统，该项目将涉及原型设计和多个使能组件的开发，包括但不限于外力补偿，实现大动量传递以提高设备灵敏度，控制软件和电子设备以允许采用相位剪切测量等替代测量范例，从而大大缩短测量周期的时间。原子干涉仪用途广泛。原子有质量这一事实意味着原子干涉仪与光的对应物不同，这意味着原子干涉仪可以用来直接测量引力。这使得它们具有潜在的实际应用前景，如新型陀螺仪和加速度计。

Atom interferometry is a sensing technique broadly analogous to traditional light-based interferometry methods, where matter waves are interfered with one another rather than light. It offers potential for highly sensitive detection of inertial forces in addition to applications in fundamental science. It is quickly becoming a cornerstone of the wider field of quantum technology. The University of Liverpool currently has an operational atom interferometer. The project will oversee the realization of an upgraded version of this, significantly larger interrogation times with improvements over the original device. An atom interferometer is a complex system and the project will involve prototyping and development of multiple enabling components, including but not limited to compensation of external forces, implementation of large momentum transfer to increase device sensitivity and control software and electronics to allow for alternative measurement paradigms such as phase shear measurement to be employed, drastically reducing the time for a measurement cycle. Atom interferometers are versatile in their applications. The fact that atoms have mass means that unlike their light-based counterparts means atom interferometers can be used to make direct measurements of gravitational forces. This makes them an attractive prospect for potential practical applications such as a new breed of gyroscopes and accelerometers.