Carla Braitenberg | Searcharxiv

arXiv2026

Ultracold Quantum Gravimeters: An Introduction for Geophysicists

This paper aims at providing an accessible introduction to ultracold quantum gravimeters tailored for geophysicists. We do not focus here on geophysical applications, as these are already well known to geophysicists, but rather provide a pedagogical exposition of the quantum-mechanical concepts needed to understand the operation of quantum gravimeters. We present a review of gravimeters based on two- and three-level atomic systems, focusing on the fundamental mechanisms of atomic interferometry. The functioning of Mach-Zehnder interferometers is discussed through the action of $\pi/2$ and $\pi$ pulses, showing how the resulting phase shift encodes gravitational acceleration. The effect of noise is briefly discussed.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

Cold Atoms in Space: Community Workshop Summary and Proposed Road-Map

We summarize the discussions at a virtual Community Workshop on Cold Atoms in Space concerning the status of cold atom technologies, the prospective scientific and societal opportunities offered by their deployment in space, and the developments needed before cold atoms could be operated in space. The cold atom technologies discussed include atomic clocks, quantum gravimeters and accelerometers, and atom interferometers. Prospective applications include metrology, geodesy and measurement of terrestrial mass change due to, e.g., climate change, and fundamental science experiments such as tests of the equivalence principle, searches for dark matter, measurements of gravitational waves and tests of quantum mechanics. We review the current status of cold atom technologies and outline the requirements for their space qualification, including the development paths and the corresponding technical milestones, and identifying possible pathfinder missions to pave the way for missions to exploit the full potential of cold atoms in space. Finally, we present a first draft of a possible road-map for achieving these goals, that we propose for discussion by the interested cold atom, Earth Observation, fundamental physics and other prospective scientific user communities, together with ESA and national space and research funding agencies.

astro-ph.IM↗