Multiaxis atom interferometry with a single diode laser and a pyramidal magneto-optical trap

Abstract

Atom interferometry has become one of the most powerful technologies for precision measurements. To develop simple, precise, and versatile atom interferometers for inertial sensing, we demonstrate an atom interferometer measuring acceleration, rotation, and inclination by pointing Raman beams toward individual faces of a pyramidal mirror. Only a single diode laser is used for all functions, including atom trapping, interferometry, and detection. Efficient Doppler-sensitive Raman transitions are achieved without the velocity selecting the atom sample, and with zero differential AC Stark shift between the cesium hyperfine ground states, increasing signal-to-noise and suppressing systematic effects. We measure gravity along two axes (vertical and 45$^\circ$ to the vertical), rotation, and inclination with sensitivities of 6$\,\mu$m/s$^2/\sqrt{\rm Hz}$, 300$\,\mu$rad/s/$\sqrt{\rm Hz}$, and 4$\,\mu$rad/$\sqrt{\rm Hz}$, respectively. This work paves the way toward deployable multiaxis atom interferometers for geodesy, geology, or inertial navigation.