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Development of an atom-interferometer gravity gradiometer for gravity measurement from space

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Abstract

Recent progress in cold atom interferometry has lead to a new method of sensitive inertial sensing. Significant performance enhancement of cold atom interferometer-based sensors is anticipated when operated in the microgravity environment in space. Based on cold atom interferometer techniques, we are developing a quantum gravity gradiometer for satellite-based global gravity field mapping. As a first step, we have built a laboratory-based gradiometer employing component technologies suitable for a future flight instrument. This paper describes the implementation of the laboratory instrument and its initial results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, CA, 91109, USA

    N. Yu, J.M. Kohel, J.R. Kellogg & L. Maleki

Authors
  1. N. Yu
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  2. J.M. Kohel
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  3. J.R. Kellogg
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  4. L. Maleki
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to N. Yu.

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PACS

03.75.Dg; 39.20.+q; 32.80.Pj; 04.80.-y

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Yu, N., Kohel, J., Kellogg, J. et al. Development of an atom-interferometer gravity gradiometer for gravity measurement from space. Appl. Phys. B 84, 647–652 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-006-2376-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-006-2376-x

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