Hybrid atomic gyroscope

This project develops a sensor to detect rotations using quantum technology. Such sensors, together with acceleration sensors, form key components in inertial navigation systems that allow for self-tracking of ships, aircraft and other vehicles even when other means of determining their position may break down, such as a failing GPS signal. Rotation sensors track the vehicles orientation and are used e.g. for the stabilisation of drones. However, in order to track over long times, very high precision (low noise) and high accuracy (true rotation rates) are necessary such that accumulating errors do not invalidate the inferred position and orientation. Quantum sensors based on the interference of matter waves promise to deliver just that, but as stand-alone sensors, their data rates are too slow to allow for navigation. In this project, we explore the combination of two different atomic sensors: an ultra-cold atom gyroscope that can be very accurate with a nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope that can be sufficiently precise and fast.
The research work will address the principles of the quantum measurements as well as miniaturization and ruggedization of such sensors, reducing a range of electronic and mechanical overhead from a typical laboratory setup. A theoretical analysis will determine how the data can be best combined to deliver optimal measurement results for the hybrid gyroscope system.