"A large-area Sagnac interferometer using atoms in a time-orbiting potential"


Eddie Moan , University of Virginia - Physics
[Host: Cass Sackett]
ABSTRACT:

We describe the implementation of a dual Sagnac interferometer using a Bose-Einstein condensate confined in a harmonic time-orbiting potential magnetic trap, which is sensitive to rotations on the order of Earth’s rate.  Atoms are manipulated using Bragg laser beams to produce two reciprocal interferometers, providing common-mode rejection of accelerations, trap fluctuations, and other noise sources. The Sagnac rotation phase is differential between the two interferometers. The orbit of the atoms is nearly circular, with an effective Sagnac area of about 0.5 mm^2.  This technique has potential applications in terrestrial and space-based inertial navigation systems, which currently use more unstable and less rotation-sensitive optical gyroscopes.

Atomic Physics Seminar
Monday, February 18, 2019
3:30 PM
Physics Building, Room 204
Note special room.

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