Research topics
1 May 2018
The first axis of research is based on the study of free fall atom interferometers, manipulated by optical transitions (stimulated Raman Transitions). The use of free falling atoms and laser beam-splitters guaranty the good knowledge of the splitting, leading to a very good accuracy of such sensors. This is the key point for applications expected in inertial navigation, in geophysics and in fundamental physics as when testing the relativity in space or when realizing gravitational wave detectors. |
The second study axis uses confined atoms in monomode structures for atoms in order to realize new kind of interferometers, more compact and with longer measurement times. These new architectures lead to a better knowledge of the position of the atoms. Nevertheless, the control of the properties the atomic traps have to be realized carefully as they induce larges forces on the atoms. The study of these interactions between atoms and the trap is indeed a key step in the development of such devices. |
These experimental developments are coupled to theoretical studies in connection with the Theory and Metrology team of SYRTE. These studies aim at developing theoretical tools for the modeling of the atom interferometers and atom optics in one hand, and new interferometer concepts on the other hand.