Atom interferometry using ${\sigma }^{+}$-${\sigma }^{-}$ Raman transitions between $F=1,m_F=\mp 1$ and $F=2,m_F=\pm 1$

Abstract

We report on the experimental demonstration of a horizontal accelerometer based on atom interferometry using counterpropagative Raman transitions between the states $F=1,m_F=\mp 1$ and $F=2,m_F=\pm 1$ of ${}^{87}$Rb. Compared to the $F=1,m_F=0\leftrightarrow F=2,m_F=0$ transition usually used in atom interferometry, our scheme presents the advantages to have only a single counterpropagating transition allowed in a retroreected geometry, to use the same polarization configuration than the magneto-optical trap and to allow the control of the atom trajectory with magnetic forces. We demonstrate horizontal acceleration measurement in a close-to-zero velocity regime using a singlediffraction Raman process with a short-term sensitivity of $25\times 10^{-5}$ m.s${}^{-2}$.Hz${}^{-1/2}$. We discuss specific features of the technique such as spontaneous emission, light-shifts and effects of magnetic field inhomogeneities. We finally give possible applications of this technique in metrology or for cold-atom inertial sensors dedicated to onboard applications.

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Cited by in corpus (3)

• Airborne absolute gravimetry with a quantum sensor, comparison with classical technologies
• Bragg-diffraction-induced imperfections of the signal in retroreflective atom interferometers
• Experimental study of magnetically insensitive transitions in ultracold Fermi gas of ${}^{40}$K