Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 3186-3200 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Advances in space research |
| Volume | 74 |
| Issue number | 7 |
| Early online date | 26 Jun 2024 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 2024 |
Abstract
Recent advances in cold atom interferometry have cleared the path for space applications of quantum inertial sensors, whose level of stability is expected to increase dramatically with the longer interrogation times accessible in space. In this study, an in-orbit model is developed for a Mach–Zehnder-type cold-atom accelerometer. Performance tests are realized under different assumptions about the positioning and rotation compensation method, and the impact of various sources of errors on instrument stability is evaluated. Current and future advances for space-based atom interferometry are discussed, and their impact on the performance of quantum sensors on-board satellite gravity missions is investigated in three different scenarios: state-of-the-art scenario (expected to be ready to launch in 5 years), near-future (expected to be launched in the next 10 to 15 years) and far-future scenarios (expected for the next 20 to 25 years). Our results indicate that the highest sensitivity is achievable by positioning the electrostatic accelerometer at the center of mass of the satellite and the quantum accelerometer aside, on the cross-track axis of the satellite. We show that one can achieve a sensitivity level close to 5 × 10−10 m/s2/Hz with the current state-of-the-art technology. We also estimate that in the near and far-future, atom interferometry in space is expected to achieve sensitivity levels of 1 × 10−11 m/s2/Hz and 1 × 10−12 m/s2/Hz, respectively. A roadmap for improvements in atom interferometry is provided that would maximize the performance of future quantum accelerometers, considering their technical capabilities. Finally, the possibility and challenges of having ultra-sensitive atom interferometry in space for future space missions are discussed.
Keywords
- Atom interferometry, CAI accelerometer, Inertial sensors, Quantum accelerometers, Quantum sensors, Satellite gravimetry, Satellite gravity missions
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Engineering(all)
- Aerospace Engineering
- Earth and Planetary Sciences(all)
- Geophysics
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In: Advances in space research, Vol. 74, No. 7, 01.10.2024, p. 3186-3200.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Advances in Atom Interferometry and their Impacts on the Performance of Quantum Accelerometers On-board Future Satellite Gravity Missions
AU - HosseiniArani, Alireza
AU - Schilling, Manuel
AU - Beaufils, Quentin
AU - Knabe, Annike
AU - Tennstedt, Benjamin
AU - Kupriyanov, Alexey
AU - Schön, Steffen
AU - Pereira dos Santos, Franck
AU - Müller, Jürgen
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2024 COSPAR
PY - 2024/10/1
Y1 - 2024/10/1
N2 - Recent advances in cold atom interferometry have cleared the path for space applications of quantum inertial sensors, whose level of stability is expected to increase dramatically with the longer interrogation times accessible in space. In this study, an in-orbit model is developed for a Mach–Zehnder-type cold-atom accelerometer. Performance tests are realized under different assumptions about the positioning and rotation compensation method, and the impact of various sources of errors on instrument stability is evaluated. Current and future advances for space-based atom interferometry are discussed, and their impact on the performance of quantum sensors on-board satellite gravity missions is investigated in three different scenarios: state-of-the-art scenario (expected to be ready to launch in 5 years), near-future (expected to be launched in the next 10 to 15 years) and far-future scenarios (expected for the next 20 to 25 years). Our results indicate that the highest sensitivity is achievable by positioning the electrostatic accelerometer at the center of mass of the satellite and the quantum accelerometer aside, on the cross-track axis of the satellite. We show that one can achieve a sensitivity level close to 5 × 10−10 m/s2/Hz with the current state-of-the-art technology. We also estimate that in the near and far-future, atom interferometry in space is expected to achieve sensitivity levels of 1 × 10−11 m/s2/Hz and 1 × 10−12 m/s2/Hz, respectively. A roadmap for improvements in atom interferometry is provided that would maximize the performance of future quantum accelerometers, considering their technical capabilities. Finally, the possibility and challenges of having ultra-sensitive atom interferometry in space for future space missions are discussed.
AB - Recent advances in cold atom interferometry have cleared the path for space applications of quantum inertial sensors, whose level of stability is expected to increase dramatically with the longer interrogation times accessible in space. In this study, an in-orbit model is developed for a Mach–Zehnder-type cold-atom accelerometer. Performance tests are realized under different assumptions about the positioning and rotation compensation method, and the impact of various sources of errors on instrument stability is evaluated. Current and future advances for space-based atom interferometry are discussed, and their impact on the performance of quantum sensors on-board satellite gravity missions is investigated in three different scenarios: state-of-the-art scenario (expected to be ready to launch in 5 years), near-future (expected to be launched in the next 10 to 15 years) and far-future scenarios (expected for the next 20 to 25 years). Our results indicate that the highest sensitivity is achievable by positioning the electrostatic accelerometer at the center of mass of the satellite and the quantum accelerometer aside, on the cross-track axis of the satellite. We show that one can achieve a sensitivity level close to 5 × 10−10 m/s2/Hz with the current state-of-the-art technology. We also estimate that in the near and far-future, atom interferometry in space is expected to achieve sensitivity levels of 1 × 10−11 m/s2/Hz and 1 × 10−12 m/s2/Hz, respectively. A roadmap for improvements in atom interferometry is provided that would maximize the performance of future quantum accelerometers, considering their technical capabilities. Finally, the possibility and challenges of having ultra-sensitive atom interferometry in space for future space missions are discussed.
KW - Atom interferometry
KW - CAI accelerometer
KW - Inertial sensors
KW - Quantum accelerometers
KW - Quantum sensors
KW - Satellite gravimetry
KW - Satellite gravity missions
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85195189130&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.asr.2024.06.055
DO - 10.1016/j.asr.2024.06.055
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85195189130
VL - 74
SP - 3186
EP - 3200
JO - Advances in space research
JF - Advances in space research
SN - 0273-1177
IS - 7
ER -