Design and Construction of the first Portable Quantum Gravimeter in México

The world is moving forward to its second quantum revolution: a stage in technological history where new devices, including sensors based on quantum systems, with unprecedented degree of sensitivity are being developed. Physicists all over the world are working toward practical implementations on new generation quantum sensors, and with the present project Mexico joins this important international effort through the “Grávico” collaboration.

 

Grávico is a multi-institutional collaboration that gathers some of the main research groups on the manipulation of quantum systems in México. Its main goal is to design and build a portable Quantum Gravimeter, that will be Mexico's first sensor based on Quantum Technologies. Its design will allow to realize absolute gravity measurements based on atom interferometry of free-falling cold atoms.

 

Our portable Quantum Gravimeter is composed of three main modules: a stabilized narrow-linewidth laser source, a modulation system for the generation of multiple laser beams, and a UHV system stabilized with respect to mechanical vibration. Here we present progress toward the construction of the first Quantum Gravimeter in Mexico. The development of this Quantum Technology may lead to improved prediction models for the location of aquifers, hydrocarbon exploration, minerals, tectonic fault monitoring, as well as for the development of new sensors and navigation systems.