NIST scientists are developing highly sensitive motion sensors using atomic gyroscopes, which exploit the effects of inertia on the atomic scale. The sensors work by trapping atoms in a glass vapor cell, then releasing them and exciting them with laser beams to create quantum states that interfere with each other. The resulting interference patterns reveal information about the cell’s motion, allowing researchers to measure acceleration and rotation with unprecedented precision.
The technology has the potential to revolutionize navigation systems for submarines, aircraft, missiles, ships, and satellites by providing accurate guidance even in the absence of visual or electronic systems. When miniaturized, the sensors could also be used for detecting subtle differences in Earth’s gravity caused by variations in landscape or mineral deposits, opening up new possibilities for geology and industry applications.
The development of atomic gyroscopes has been documented in several scientific studies, demonstrating their potential for compact, high-precision motion sensing in various environments.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/noac/technology/time-and-frequency/atomic-gyroscopes
Keywords: atom interferometry, quantum sensors, inertial navigation, atomic gyroscopes, cold-atom clocks
