Multi-axis atomic inertial sensor system

Abstract

An inertial sensing system comprises a first multi-axis atomic inertial sensor, a second multi-axis atomic inertial sensor, and an optical multiplexer optically coupled to the first and second multi-axis atomic inertial sensors. The optical multiplexer is configured to sequentially direct light along different axes of the first and second multi-axis atomic inertial sensors. A plurality of micro-electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS) inertial sensors is in operative communication with the first and second multi-axis atomic inertial sensors. Output signals from the first and second multi-axis atomic inertial sensors aid in correcting errors produced by the MEMS inertial sensors by sequentially updating output signals from the MEMS inertial sensors.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. filed July 12, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background technique [0002] Cold-atom interferometers are the basis for a new class of inertial sensors. Similar to the function of fiber optic or ring laser gyroscopes, the inertial force induces a phase shift in the quantum mechanical wave function of the atoms, which traverses the loop in the cold atom interferometer. [0003] Cold atom inertial sensors may provide slower update rates than desired for certain operating parameters. In this case, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) inertial sensor can be used as a kind of flywheel to provide a continuous output between atomic sensor readings. In this case, atomic inertial sensors can be used to correct for bias and scale factor drift in MEMS inertial sensors. [0004] In order to minimize size, weight and power, it is desirable to make atomic inertial sensors as sma...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, sensitivity unfavorably scales with reduced sensor size

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