Sensors (May 2023)

Review of Atom Chips for Absolute Gravity Sensors

  • Dezhao Li,
  • Wenfeng He,
  • Shengnan Shi,
  • Bin Wu,
  • Yuhua Xiao,
  • Qiang Lin,
  • Long Li

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/s23115089
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 23, no. 11
p. 5089

Abstract

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As a powerful tool in scientific research and industrial technologies, the cold atom absolute gravity sensor (CAGS) based on cold atom interferometry has been proven to be the most promising new generation high-precision absolute gravity sensor. However, large size, heavy weight, and high–power consumption are still the main restriction factors of CAGS being applied for practical applications on mobile platforms. Combined with cold atom chips, it is possible to drastically reduce the complexity, weight, and size of CAGS. In this review, we started from the basic theory of atom chips to chart a clear development path to related technologies. Several related technologies including micro-magnetic traps, micro magneto–optical traps, material selection, fabrication, and packaging methods have been discussed. This review gives an overview of the current developments in a variety of cold atom chips, and some actual CAGS systems based on atom chips are also discussed. We summarize by listing some of the challenges and possible directions for further development in this area.

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