Tightly guided atoms could enable low-power quantum navigation when GPS fails
Within tiny halos of light clinging to a vanishingly thin wisp of optical fiber, scientist Jongmin Lee guides atoms like marbles through a narrow pipe. Rock the fiber and the atoms shift side by side; they just don't fall off. But don't be deceived by the seemingly delicate nature of his experiment. Lee is exploring how to measure motion precisely in rough-and-tumble environments.
Atoms confined within tight light halos within optical fibers could pave the way for low-power quantum navigation systems that still function effectively even when GPS signals are disrupted, according to research by scientists at Sandia National Laboratories. Led by Jongmin Lee, a quantum sensing expert, the team has successfully demonstrated a novel method of guiding cesium atoms using just a fraction of the power previously required, paving the way for chip-scale quantum inertial sensors.
These sensors could prove invaluable for military vehicles navigating through rough environments or over rough terrain when GPS signals are jammed or unavailable. Traditional atom interferometry relies on ultracold atoms released in a vacuum chamber, but guided atom interferometry offers a more stable alternative by keeping atoms within a narrow pipe, making them easier to monitor and measure.
The breakthrough comes from a new membrane-waveguide design, which combines the benefits of both a photonic nanofiber and a more robust photonic integrated circuit platform. By anchoring the waveguide on silicon pins, the design dissipates heat more efficiently, allowing for lower power consumption and a more compact, heat-resistant system.
This advancement brings scientists closer to realizing the potential of quantum navigation technologies that could outperform conventional navigation systems in challenging environments.
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