Using atom interferometry to search for masses behind barriers

这个项目将研究使用原子干涉测量法来识别由位于障碍物后面的致密物质的存在而产生的力异常。由于引力场不能被屏蔽，它作为一种安全屏蔽工具具有潜在的应用，它是使用电磁或射线照相方法的替代成像技术的补充。学生将在理论上探索力异常传感的最佳干涉仪配置，并扩展现有Imperial原子干涉仪的操作，以测量位于已知距离处的测试质量的引力效应。除了帝国理工学院的干涉测量工作外，这名学生还将在原子武器研究所(AWE)的量子传感实验室度过1-3个月的时间。在这里，他们将学习正在开发的免费电磁成像技术，以期将原子干涉测量和传统传感方法结合起来，用于未来可以提高安全性的量子技术。

This project will investigate the use of atom interferometry to identify force anomalies created by the presence of dense masses situated behind barriers. Because gravitational fields cannot be screened, it has potential applications as a security screening tool that is complimentary to alternative imaging techniques using electromagnetic or radiographic approaches. The student will theoretically explore the optimal interferometer configurations for force anomaly sensing and extend the operation of existing Imperial atom interferometers to measure the gravitational effect of test masses positioned at known standoff distances. In addition to the interferometry work at Imperial, the student will spend 1 - 3 months of their time at the Atomic Weapons Establishment's (AWE) quantum sensing laboratory. Here, they will learn complimentary electromagnetic imaging technique being developed with a view to combining atom interferometry and conventional sensing methods for future quantum technologies that can improve security.