Characterization and limits of a cold atom Sagnac interferometer

Alexandre Gauguet (1) , Benjamin Canuel (1) , Thomas Lévèque (1) , Walid Chaibi (2) , Arnaud Landragin (1)

1 SYRTE - Systèmes de Référence Temps Espace
2 ARTEMIS - Astrophysique Relativiste Théories Expériences Métrologie Instrumentation Signaux

We present the full evaluation of a cold atom gyroscope based on atom interferometry. We have performed extensive studies to determine the systematic errors, scale factor and sensitivity. We demonstrate that the acceleration noise can be efficiently removed from the rotation signal allowing to reach the fundamental limit of the quantum projection noise for short term measurements. The technical limits to the long term sensitivity and accuracy have been identified, clearing the way for the next generations of ultra-sensitive atom gyroscopes.

Mots clés: Atom interferometry; cold atoms; gyroscope; Raman transitions

Domaines: Physique Atomique [physics.atom-ph]

Alexandre Gauguet, Benjamin Canuel, Thomas Lévèque, Walid Chaibi, Arnaud Landragin. Characterization and limits of a cold atom Sagnac interferometer. 2009. ⟨hal-00403630v3⟩