Physics colloquium presentation by Ernst M. Rasel, full professor at the Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH) and the Leibniz faculty for Quantum Engineering and Space-Time Research (QUEST-LFS).

Abstract: Ultra-cold quantum gases promise to boost the sensitivity and accuracy of inertial matter-wave interferometers. Applications of these sensors extend from fundamental physics over the use in navigation to interdisciplinary applications such as geodesy. Space is a unique environment for sounding out the ultimate precision of these sensors, which might be beneficial for e.g. satellite gravimetry. Exploiting quantum gases for high-precision interferometry places high demands on their control and manipulation. We take benefit of various microgravity platforms such as the Bremen drop tower, the Einstein elevator in Hannover, sounding rockets and the international space station to advance the necessary methods. The DLR-mission MAIUS-1 demonstrated Bose-Einstein condensation and performed first interferometry experiments during the space travel of a sounding rocket. NASA’s Cold Atom Laboratory continues this research in orbit on the ISS.

Starting from a rubidium Bose-Einstein condensate, recently lowest expansion energies have been achieved by us in the Bremen drop tower as required for extending atom interferometry over several seconds. These quantum-gas sources reach the performance as required for inertial quantum sensors proposed for satellite gravimetry. Indeed, the EU project CARIOQA-PMP develops an engineering model taking heritage of our source concept for a pathfinder mission towards quantum-sensor based satellite gravimetry.

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