Moving towards a compact and transportable quantum inertial sensor using an opto-mechanical resonator

Atom interferometers measuring acceleration with respect to its retro-reflecting inertial reference mirror are also extremely sensitive to ambient ground vibrations. The effects of vibrational noise can be mitigated with the use of a vibration isolation platform, but it is not conducive for miniaturizing the atom interferometer sensor head. Classical commercial accelerometers can also be used to measure and correct for vibrations, although compatibility is a limitation. As a solution to these problems, we are developing compact and compatible opto-mechanical accelerometers in order to achieve maximum suppression of vibrational noise without posing a dimensional constrain. We have demonstrated efficient hybridization with such an opto-mechanical resonator [1] which enables a level of acceleration sensitivity 8 times lower than the limit due to ambient ground vibrations without any vibration isolation. Future versions are being designed to possess higher intrinsic sensitivities for integration in atom interferometers with larger interrogation times. We are also working towards direct integration onto atom chips with ultra-high vacuum compatible versions.