Studies of Raman, Ramsey, and Spin Echo Spectroscopies Using Counter-Propagating Fields For Use in Atom Interferometers
Abstract
The Department of Defense relies on many platforms that require inertial sensors to operate in Global Positioning System (GPS)compromised environments to provide or verify navigational data. The current generation of sensors in use are subject to sensitivity limitations and drift errors that can compound significantly over time in GPS-contested areas. Inertial sensors based on atom interferometers could provide navigational data that is significantly more accurate and less prone to drift (and therefore navigational errors). This research builds upon previous work (Manicchia in 2020, Gervis in 2021) in which an atomic interferometer was constructed and studied. In this thesis, I demonstrate a path toward making inertially sensitive measurements with this apparatus. In contrast to the previous work, I use counter-propagating Raman fields that can achieve inertial sensitivity. However, these Raman fields are sensitive to non-trivial transverse velocities of our atom beam. I demonstrate a method to reduce these transverse velocities using an optical molasses, but do not pursue this in the apparatus due to spatial considerations. I explore the difference between Ramsey and spin echo spectroscopies, forms of atomic interference, in co- and counter-propagating configurations, the second of which is inertially sensitive. I also demonstrate that interference is still visible in the counter-propagating geometry, laying the foundation for a fully inertially sensitive interferometer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1224529
Entities
People
- Anthony F. Burns
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School