Team

Atomic interferometry and inertial sensors

Scientific activity

Our activities focus on the development of high-performance inertial sensors based on atom interferometry techniques. We use cold atoms as sources, in order to achieve long measurement times and therefore greater sensitivity, and light pulse-based separators, which provide a very good knowledge of the scale factor, and therefore accurate measurements. Our instruments are used in a wide range of fields, including metrology, fundamental physics, navigation and geophysics. Our team is a pioneer in the development of these sensors, and has internationally recognized expertise in instrument metrology. In particular, we demonstrated the first cold atom gyrometer, were the first team to take part in international comparison campaigns for absolute gravimeters, and demonstrated that this type of sensor operates without downtime. We have set performance records for stability and accuracy in gyrometry, gravimetry and for frequency and force measurements using trapped atom sensors. Our work in gravimetry has led to an industrial transfer to iXblue, which markets gravimeters based on patented technology.

© Arnaud Landragin, 2010.

Figure: Photo of a highly sensitive atomic gyrometer, based on an atomic fountain configuration with 4 laser pulses, which measures rotations along the horizontal axis.