The application of bose-einstein condensates to inertial sensing

Abstract

This thesis presents experimental and theoretical work investigating the application of Bose-condensed atomic sources to atom interferometer-based inertial sensors. In particular, we focus on gravity sensors, which have applications in fundamental physics, Earth sciences, mineral exploration, and navigation. We develop atomic sources, design and implement several different atomic beamsplitters and mirrors, and build atom interferometers utilising Bose-condensed atomic sources. Theoretical work supports all of these experiments. Coupled with the detailed theoretical analyses, these proof-of-principle experiments show that Bose-condensed sources will be critical in the next generation inertial sensors based on atomic interference. - provided by Candidate.