Development of the detection system for AION and MAGIS

Abstract
AION (Atom Interferometer Observatory and Network) and MAGIS (Matter-wave Atomic Gradiometer Interferometric Sensor) are long baseline strontium atom interferometry experiments whose goal is to search for ultra-light dark matter candidates and serve as prototype detectors for mid-band gravitational waves. Both are collaborating towards building 100 m baseline experiments with construction for MAGIS-100 currently underway at Fermilab. AION has established five strontium laboratories across the UK, including RAL Space. With plans of constructing a 10 m atom interferometer at the University of Oxford and establishing a 100 m detector in the UK (Boulby Mine) or EU (CERN). Both projects aim at developing technology for constructing a 1 km-long experiment with sufficient sensitivity to detect mid-band gravitational waves in the detection band from (0.1 - 10) Hz.
This project aims to develop a detection system for AION and MAGIS, which would take place at the University of Liverpool and at RAL. The detection system will be employing a piezo-driven retro reflection chamber incorporating a retro mirror in combination with; phase shear imagining, a low-noise camera and custom read-out chain. This will allow for simultaneous single-shot imaging of phase and contrast enabling high sensitivity of MAGIS & AION interferometers. The detection system being adapted for both in and out of vacuum design, planned to be tested at RAL Space.
The PhD is split between The University of Liverpool and PPD laboratory situated in RAL Space. Making it well situated to investigate the prospects and develop technology for future atom interferometry experiments in space for earth observation and fundamental science.