Mainz 2026 – scientific programme

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A: Fachverband Atomphysik

A 39: Poster – Precision Measurement (joint session Q/A)

A 39.5: Poster

Thursday, March 5, 2026, 17:00–19:00, Philo 2. OG

Towards a quantum inertial measurement unit for navigation utilizing BEC based atom interferometry — •Tobias Bullwinkel, Mouine Abidi, Philipp Barbey, Ashwin Rajagopalan, Ann Sabu, Dennis Schlippert, Ernst M. Rasel, and Sven Abend — Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institut für Quantenoptik

Future enhanced inertial measurement units require more long-term stable and accurate sensors. Utilizing atom interferometry, sensors can be realized that offer drift-free performance and are not vulnerable to signal jamming, in contrast to current navigation solutions. By hybridizing conventional methods with newly developed quantum-sensors, the best of both worlds is combined. The QGyro project aims to create a sensor that is capable of doing three-axis measurements while hybridizing the measurements to a classical IMU. For this, atom iterferometry with Bose-Einstein condensates generated with the help of an atom chip is used. Since mobility is crucial for the system being used in navigation, development is done with transportability and resilience against external factors in mind. All of the sensor periphery is built for easy assembly and fits into one 19* rack, as the electronics and laser systems are designed to be as compact as possible. Additionally, it can be supplied by an external battery, enabling measurements campaigns without constant external power supply. The ARTIQ control system is utilized to run the experimental sequence with extreme accurate time control.This work is supported by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) due to the enactment of the German Bundestag under Grant No. DLR 50NA2106 (QGyro+).

Keywords: Quantum sensing; Atom interferometry; BEC; Navigation