Cold atom interferometry for inertial navigation sensors
Technology assessment: space and defence applications
This report assesses the potential of gyroscopes and accelerometers based on cold atom interferometry (CAI) for space and defence applications, by analysing their strengths and weaknesses in comparison with devices based on other working principles. Indeed, it is widely recognized that quantum sensors based on atomic interferometry provide absolute measurements with the potential for high sensitivity and long-term stability. This last property is particularly valuable for accelerometers and gyroscopes to be used for inertial navigation, since it guarantees precise positioning without the need for frequent recalibrations, a shortcoming which affects several devices presently in use.
High-performance inertial sensors play an important role both in space applications, where gyroscopes are widely used e.g. to orientate a satellite and its on-board communications and sensing equipment, and in defence, where gyroscopes and accelerometers constitute the core of the inertial measurement units to be used for autonomous navigation, e.g. in GNSS-denied conditions. The EU has a well-established role in space with the Copernicus and Galileo programmes, and a fledging but increasing involvement in the defence industry. An independent assessment of a quantum technology such as cold atom interferometry which may in time acquire a significant role in these fields is a precondition to advance well-grounded suggestions for EU policy initiatives.
TRAVAGNIN Martino;
2020-12-04
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC122785
978-92-76-27076-8 (online),
1831-9424 (online),
EUR 30492 EN,
OP KJ-NA-30492-EN-N (online),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC122785,
10.2760/237221 (online),
Additional supporting files
| File name | Description | File type | |
|---|
