title: Dual matter-wave inertial sensors in weightlessness.
abstract: Quantum technology based on cold-atom interferometers is showing great promise for fields such as inertial sensing and fundamental physics. However, the finite free-fall time of the atoms limits the precision achievable on Earth, while in space interrogation times of many seconds will lead to unprecedented sensitivity. Here we realize simultaneous87Rb-39K interferometers capable of operating in the weightless environment produced during parabolic flight. Large vibration levels (10-2g Hz-1/2), variations in acceleration (0-1.8 g) and rotation rates (5° s-1) onboard the aircraft present significant challenges. We demonstrate the capability of our correlated quantum system by measuring the Eötvös parameter with systematic-limited uncertainties of 1.1 × 10-3and 3.0 × 10-4during standard- and microgravity, respectively. This constitutes a fundamental test of the equivalence principle using quantum sensors in a free-falling vehicle. Our results are applicable to inertial navigation, and can be extended to the trajectory of a satellite for future space missions.
authors.affiliation: LP2N, IOGS, CNRS and Université de Bordeaux, rue François Mitterrand, 33400 Talence, France.
authors.forename: Brynle
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Barrett
authors.affiliation: LP2N, IOGS, CNRS and Université de Bordeaux, rue François Mitterrand, 33400 Talence, France.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Antoni-Micollier
authors.affiliation: LP2N, IOGS, CNRS and Université de Bordeaux, rue François Mitterrand, 33400 Talence, France.
authors.forename: Laure
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chichet
authors.affiliation: LP2N, IOGS, CNRS and Université de Bordeaux, rue François Mitterrand, 33400 Talence, France.
authors.forename: Baptiste
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Battelier
authors.affiliation: CNES, 18 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lévèque
authors.affiliation: LNE-SYRTE, Observatoire de Paris, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, 61 avenue de l'Observatoire, 75014 Paris, France.
authors.forename: Arnaud
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Landragin
authors.affiliation: LP2N, IOGS, CNRS and Université de Bordeaux, rue François Mitterrand, 33400 Talence, France.
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bouyer