Thesis

Investigations in matterwave interferometry for inertial sensing

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2021
Thesis identifier
  • T16213
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201681758
Qualification Level
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Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • The sensing of rotation is a keystone in navigation without external aid. Without relying on satellite navigation, for instance, it is possible to navigate by knowing one’s velocity and rotation rate and then integrating over time. Such “dead reckoning” inertial navigation methods are hampered by errors in the sensing of these quantities, which are amplified by the integration process, leading to wildly inaccurate measurements of position in a matter of minutes even in some of the best commercial units. There is interest in pursuing rotation sensing from the position of quantum technology - where atomic Sagnac interferometers promise unprecedented sensitivities to rotation. In this thesis we detail a variety of investigations supporting future implementation of atomic interferometry as a quantum technology. We detail the construction of a new vacuum chamber for generating Bose Einstein condensates (BECs) of rubidium-87, with a primary focus on a 2D+ magneto optical trap. This 2D+ geometry allows for a high flux of atoms, important in reducing dead time in interferometers. We then present a Sagnac interferometer configuration with a BEC in freefall under gravity. Calibration of the system under freefall is discussed, in particular the calibration of the beam power as a function of the drop time, and the asymmetry in the interferometer output with respect to the angle to gravity. We finally present a study in high numerical aperture Fresnel zone plates (high NA FZPs) for generating optical ring traps. The high NA requirement allows for diffraction-limited roughness in the trapping potential, as well as the possibility to map local intensity changes at the FZP to the focal plane. We also present this method as a candidate for generating dark ring traps using blue-detuned light.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Arnold, Aidan
Resource Type
Note
  • This thesis was previously held under moratorium from 01/06/2022 to 01/06/2024.
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