A Next-Generation Absolute Quantum Gyroscope using Ultra-Cold Atoms

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Positioning, guidance, and navigation heavily rely on state-of-the-art accelerometers and gyroscopes. The accuracy of autonomous inertial navigation systems is limited by the bias stability of optical gyroscopes. These devices measure rotation rates via the Sagnac interference between light beams traveling in opposite directions in a rotating loop, and are essential to several markets including the defense, aviation, and space industries. Atomic gyroscopes that utilize matter-wave interference offer a promising alternative. Due to their massive internal energy, an atom's sensitivity to rotations is 1011 times greater than that of a visible photon. Yet, the challenge of realizing a high-precision absolute quantum gyroscope has not yet been achieved. My research program will develop a next-generation absolute quantum gyroscope capable of measuring rotation rates below 10-10 rad/s. The short-term objectives of this program, which form the building blocks of a novel quantum technology, are as follows: 1. Multidimensional atom optics: new techniques to simultaneously diffract atoms along multiple spatial dimensions will be implemented-enabling the construction of 2D and 3D matter-wave interferometers with multi-axis inertial sensitivity. 2. Multi-loop interferometry: multi-loop interferometer geometries with large enclosed areas will be used to enhance the performance. 3. Absolute scale factor: a rotation signal with a scale factor accuracy of 1 part in 109 will be demonstrated. 4. Compact sensor head: utilizing large-momentum transfer optical pulses, along with an "optical trampoline" in which atoms coherently bounce in a small region, my group will enhance the sensitivity of the atomic gyroscope in a compact volume-laying the groundwork for future commercialization. 5. Suppression of systematic effects: sources of bias related to the atoms initial velocity and acceleration will be suppressed by several orders of magnitude. Achieving these objectives will require the construction of a state-of-the-art instrument capable of producing ultra-cold atoms that are coherently manipulated in a large-area matter-wave interferometer. This work will kick-start a new laboratory for quantum sensing and ultra-cold matter physics at the University of New Brunswick-creating unique opportunities for research and training of highly-qualified personnel. The radical long-term objective of this research program is to develop high-performance miniature quantum sensors that can be integrated with commercial navigation systems-leading to long-term satellite-free positioning. This program directly contributes to NSERC's strategic objective to foster early-stage research with a high potential for commercialization, and to establish a leading role for Canada in the development of quantum technology. Its success will strongly impact the multi-billion-dollar industry of positioning and navigation, as well as applications in geophysics, rotational seismology, and space science.