Mainz 2026 – scientific programme
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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 82: Matter Wave Interferometry, Metrology, and Fundamental Physics IV
Q 82.2: Talk
Friday, March 6, 2026, 14:45–15:00, P 11
Simulation Framework for Space-borne Quantum Sensors — •Gina Kleinsteinberg1, Christian Struckmann1, Christian Schubert2, and Naceur Gaaloul1 — 1Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, Welfengarten 1, 30167 Hannover, Germany — 2German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing, Callinstr. 30b, 30167 Hannover, Germany
Space-borne cold atom interferometers are promising sensors to probe accelerations and rotations at unprecedented levels of sensitivity. To advance the necessary technology readiness level and mature the space-deployment for future missions, technological demonstrators are needed. Among them are embarked testbeds, such as the BECCAL project which is planned to be deployed onboard the ISS and the CARIOQA mission, a future pathfinder for quantum accelerometry for Earth observation. To derive the experimental requirements and sensor performances, dedicated simulations are needed.
We present a Python based simulation framework that generates realistic phase signals for space-borne atom interferometers. This includes simulations of the atom interferometer itself as well as detailed analyses of systematic effects arising from environmental influences. To define the best operational mode of the experimental setup, multi-objective optimisation is used to explore options for balancing the multitude of mission parameters, while simultaneously optimising the sensor performance. We demonstrate the framework’s capabilities through applications to the CARIOQA and the BECCAL project.
Keywords: Atom Interferometry; Inertial Sensing; Earth Observation; Gravimetry