Gravity gradient sensing on moving platforms with quantum technology

原子干涉测量法利用原子的波状性质来执行惯性力的超精确测量，例如重力。最近外形系数的降低使这些传感器变得可现场部署，几项调查强调了它们在探测隧道、沉坑、含水层和公用设施管道等脚下重力异常方面的用途。作为这一努力的一部分，伯明翰大学的量子传感小组开发了一种便携式重力梯度仪，最近探测到了一条埋在道路下的隧道。该系统对与场有关的系统效应，特别是地面振动具有极强的复原力，有可能在高分辨率次地表重力测绘中开辟新的应用。下一个关键挑战之一是在动态条件下操作传感器，使我们能够为重力梯度图匹配进行新的调查，重力梯度图匹配是一种导航工具，可在卫星导航丢失时恢复。作为迈向这一目标的一步，该项目将介绍在移动平台上进行的几次试验的结果，包括首次演示在海上海船上进行的重力梯度测量。该系统在实验室和试验中得到了广泛的描述，以便更好地了解这些传感器在下一阶段开发中需要克服的挑战。此外，已经开始了提高运动平台上量子传感器性能的工作，包括高带宽测量方法以及干涉测量光束的最佳时间相位控制。这项工作还将评估这些技术在现实世界条件下的局限性，将路线图推进到增强健壮性和实用的、与应用程序相关的演示。

Atom interferometry uses the wave-like nature of atoms to perform ultra-precise measurements of inertial forces, such as gravity. Recent reductions in form factor have allowed these sensors to become field-deployable with several surveys highlighting their use for detecting gravitational anomalies beneath out feet such as tunnels, sink holes, aquifers and utility pipes. As part of this push, the Quantum Sensing group at the University of Birmingham has developed a portable gravity gradiometer which recently detected a tunnel buried underneath a road. The system is exceptionally resilient to field-relevant systematic effects, particularly ground vibration, with a potential to open up new applications in high-resolution sub-surface gravity mapping. One of the next key challenges is to operate the sensor in dynamic conditions, allowing us to conduct new surveys for gravity gradient map matching, a navigational tool which is resilient against loss of satellite navigation. As a step towards this, this project will present results from several trials on moving platforms including the first demonstration of gravity gradiometry measurements operating on a maritime vessel at sea. The system was characterised extensively in the laboratory and on trials in order to get a better understanding of the challenges these sensors will need to overcome in the next stage of their development. In addition, work has begun on enhancing the performance of quantum sensors on moving platforms, including high-bandwidth measurement approaches as well as optimal temporal phase control of the interferometry beams. This work will also assess the limitations of these techniques in real-world conditions, progressing the roadmap to increased robustness and practical, application-relevant demonstrations.