Inertial sensor, atomic interferometer, method for adjusting the speed of atoms, device for adjusting the speed of atoms

Abstract

The adjusting device (500) sets M to a predetermined integer satisfying 3 ≤ M, and simultaneously irradiates the atomic beam (131) with M lasers. The respective traveling paths of the M lasers intersect the traveling path of the atomic beam (131). The component in the direction perpendicular to the traveling path of the atomic beam of the sum of the respective radiation pressure vectors of the M lasers is zero. The component in the direction of the traveling path of the atomic beam of the sum of the respective radiation pressure vectors of the M lasers is negative with respect to an atom having a speed greater than a prescribed speed, and is positive with respect to the atom having a speed smaller than the prescribed speed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an adjustment technique for bringing the speed of atoms included in an atomic beam close to a prescribed speed and an atomic interference technique using the adjustment technique. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, with the development of laser technology, researches on atomic interferometers, inertial sensors using atomic interference, and the like have been progressing. As the atomic interferometer, for example, a Mach-Zehnder type atomic interferometer and a Ramsey-Borde type atomic interferometer are known (for example, refer to Non-Patent Literature 1).

[0003] In the basic scheme of the Mach-Zehnder type atomic interferometer, an atomic beam is irradiated with two traveling light standing waves called π / 2 pulses and one traveling light standing wave called a π pulse, respectively. Due to the interaction of the atomic beam with the traveling light standing waves, the atomic beam is split into two atomic beams, and further, the two atomic beams cross each other. As a result, an atomic beam corresponding to the superposition state of the state of atoms corresponding to one of the two atomic beams and the state of atoms corresponding to the other thereof is obtained.

[0004] When an angular velocity in a plane including the two atomic beams, for example, is applied to the Mach-Zehnder type atomic interferometer, a phase difference is generated between the two atomic beams, which is reflected in the existence probability of the state of atoms corresponding to one of the two atomic beams and the existence probability of the state of atoms corresponding to the other thereof. Therefore, by observing the atomic beam corresponding to the superposition state of the state of atoms corresponding to one of the two atomic beams and the state of atoms corresponding to the other thereof, the angular velocity can be detected.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Non-Patent Literature 1: T. L. Gustavson, P. Bouyer and M. A. Kasevich, "Precision Rotation Measurements with an Atom Interferometer Gyroscope," Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 2046-2049, Published 17 March 1997. SUMMARY

[0008] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] As the atomic beam irradiated with the traveling light standing wave, a cold atomic beam having a low velocity in the traveling direction of the atomic beam, a narrow velocity spread in the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the atomic beam, and a high flux is preferably used.

[0010] With respect to the cold atomic beam, it is generally known that the distribution of the velocity of the atom in the traveling direction of the atomic beam has a width of about 20% of the most frequent value, for example, in the case where the most frequent value of the distribution is 20 m / s, the distribution has a width of about ±2 m / s.

[0011] Therefore, the time during which the atom included in the atomic beam interacts with the traveling light standing wave is not constant for each atom. The deviation of the interaction time becomes a cause of the decrease in the number of atoms contributing to the interference, and thus becomes a cause of the decrease in the contrast of the state of the atom corresponding to one of the two atomic beams and the state of the atom corresponding to the other of the two atomic beams of the atom obtained from the atomic interferometer.

[0012] In addition, the difference in the number of populations of the state of the atom corresponding to one of the two atomic beams and the state of the atom corresponding to the other of the two atomic beams of the atom obtained from the atomic interferometer is represented using a cosine function of the phase depending on the velocity of the atom and the angular velocity applied to the atomic interferometer. In the case where the angular velocity applied to the atomic interferometer is sufficiently large, the atoms having various velocities included in the width of the distribution of the velocity of the atom contribute to the fluctuation in the difference in the number of populations as the cosine functions of various phases, and thus the cosine functions of various phases cancel each other, and the contrast decreases. That is, the width of the distribution of the velocity of the atom becomes a cause of the decrease in the dynamic range.

[0013] Therefore, it is desirable to decrease the width of the distribution of the velocity of the atom in the traveling direction of the cold atomic beam.

[0014] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide an adjustment technique that makes the velocity of the atom included in the atomic beam close to a prescribed velocity, an atomic interference technique using the adjustment technique, and an inertial sensor.

[0015] Technical solution for solving the problem

[0016] The technical matters described herein are not intended to explicitly or implicitly limit the invention recited in the claims, nor are they intended to indicate the possibility of accepting such limitation by a person other than the person who benefits from the present application (for example, the applicant and the patentee), but are merely described in order to easily understand the gist of the present application. The summary of the present application from other viewpoints can be understood, for example, from the claims at the time of filing of the present patent application.

[0017] According to the adjustment technique disclosed herein, M is set to a predetermined integer satisfying 3 ≤ M, and M lasers are simultaneously irradiated to the atomic beam. Respective traveling paths of the M lasers cross the traveling path of the atomic beam. A component of a sum of respective radiation pressure vectors of the M lasers in a perpendicular direction to the traveling path of the atomic beam is zero. A component of the sum of the respective radiation pressure vectors of the M lasers in a direction of the traveling path of the atomic beam is negative with respect to an atom having a speed larger than a prescribed speed, and is positive with respect to an atom having a speed smaller than the prescribed speed.

[0018] An atomic interferometer and an inertial sensor each include the adjustment technique.

[0019] Effects of Invention

[0020] According to the adjustment technique of the present application, the speed of the atom included in the atomic beam is close to a prescribed speed. In addition, according to the atomic interferometer and the inertial sensor of the present application, the dynamic range is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a configuration example of an atomic interferometer using the adjustment device.

[0022] Figure 2 is a configuration example of the adjustment device.

[0023] Figure 3 is a configuration example of the adjustment device.

[0024] Figure 4 is a configuration example of the adjustment device.

[0025] Figure 5 is a configuration example of the adjustment device.

[0026] Figure 6 is a configuration example of the adjustment device.

[0027] Figure 7 is a configuration example of the adjustment device.

[0028] Figure 8 is a configuration example of the adjustment device.

[0029] Figure 9 is a configuration example of the adjustment device.

[0030] Figure 10 is a configuration example of the adjustment device.

[0031] Figure 11 is an optical configuration example of an interference device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are for understanding the embodiments, and the dimensions of the constituent elements shown are not precise.

[0033] Include Figure 1 The inertial sensor 900 of the illustrated Mach-Zehnder type atomic interferometer 800 includes: a cold atom beam generating device 100 that continuously generates a cold atom beam with a narrow velocity extension in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel; an adjustment device 500 that brings the velocity of the atoms contained in the cold atom beam close to a predetermined velocity; a traveling light standing wave generating device 300 that generates three traveling light standing waves; an interferometer 200 that obtains an atomic beam as a result of the interaction between the cold atom beam from the adjustment device 500 and the three traveling light standing waves; and an observation device 400 that observes the atomic beam from the interferometer 200. In this embodiment, the cold atom beam generating device 100, the adjustment device 500, the interferometer 200, and the observation device 400 are housed in a vacuum container (not shown). The Mach-Zehnder type atomic interferometer 800 has a structure that removes the observation device 400 from the inertial sensor 900.

[0034] As a cold atom beam generating apparatus 100, for example, the apparatus disclosed in Reference 1 can be employed. The cold atom beam generating apparatus 100 includes: an atomic source 110 that generates gaseous atoms within a region 100a of a vacuum container; a cold atom beam generator 130 that generates a cold atom beam 131 from a cluster of gaseous atoms trapped in space using a pushing laser 121; and an atom beam deflector 140 that bends the travel path of the cold atom beam 131. The cold atom beam generator 130, for example, has a 2D... + -MOT mechanism, the atomic beam deflector 140, for example, has a 2D-MOT mechanism.

[0035] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-20636

[0036] Atomic source 110 generates gaseous atoms. Atomic source 110 has a structure of solid sublimation or liquid evaporation or volatilization. The solid or liquid is preferably composed of a single element of high purity. For example, when using strontium or calcium, a heating device is required, but when using rubidium or cesium, sufficient gaseous atoms can be obtained without a heating device due to the high saturated vapor pressure at room temperature (a temperature suitable for human activity) (i.e., easy vaporization).

[0037] Gaseous atoms (hereinafter referred to as atoms) filling a region 100a of a vacuum container are naturally supplied as 2D + - Cold atom beam generator 130 of the MOT mechanism. In 2D +In the MOT mechanism, as described later, a cold atom beam 131 is generated from a cold atom cluster trapped in the space within the coil using a driving laser 121, and the driving laser 121 leaks out in the direction of travel of the cold atom beam 131.

[0038] It should be noted that, considering the flux of the cold atom beam 131 achieved by the current technology, the total number of collisions per unit volume per unit time between the atoms filling a region 100a of the vacuum container and the cold atom beam 131 is sufficiently small (i.e., the mean free path length).

[0039] 2D + A simplified description of a MOT mechanism would be as follows: it consists of coils (e.g., Ioffe coils) used to generate a two-dimensional quadrupole magnetic field, and three laser pairs arranged aligned with the three axes of symmetry of the two-dimensional quadrupole magnetic field. 2D + The MOT mechanism traps atoms in space by applying a decaying force corresponding to the atom's velocity (forming an optical adhesive) to the atoms through three laser beams, and by applying a decaying force corresponding to the atom's position to the atoms through the radiation pressure difference of the laser beams (the force toward the zero magnetic field line of the two-dimensional quadrupole magnetic field). This generates cold atom clusters. The radiation pressure difference of the laser beams is caused by the Zeeman effect displacement corresponding to the atom's position in the two-dimensional quadrupole magnetic field and the transition selection rule of the laser beams.

[0040] Two of the three laser pairs are circularly polarized light σ traveling relative to each other and having the same frequency (slightly lower than the resonance frequency of atoms). + σ - The pair (with σ) + The corresponding σ - By making σ + (Formed by reflection from a 1 / 4 wavelength reflector). The two laser pairs are orthogonal to each other (specifically, σ in one laser pair is, for example, the 1 / 4 wavelength reflector). + The travel path and the laser pair of the other party, for example, σ + The paths are orthogonal, and therefore, each of the two laser pairs is orthogonal to the zero magnetic field line of the two-dimensional quadrupole magnetic field formed by the coils. Each of the two laser pairs is located in a 2D direction orthogonal to the zero magnetic field line. + -The atoms in the space within the MOT mechanism are laser-cooled.

[0041] The remaining laser pair of the three laser pairs is a pair of circularly polarized light σ+ and σ- traveling relative to each other along the zero magnetic field line of a two-dimensional quadrupole magnetic field, and possessing the same frequency (slightly lower than the resonance frequency of atoms). This laser pair is located in the direction of the zero magnetic field line in a 2D quadrupole magnetic field. +-Atoms in the space within the MOT mechanism are laser-cooled. However, the beam intensity of the laser constituting one of the pair of lasers is set stronger than that of the other laser. In addition, the other laser is introduced into the space within the coil using an aperture reflection plate configured at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the direction of the zero magnetic field line, and thus the other laser includes a "shadow (dark portion) of the direction of the zero magnetic field line" corresponding to the hole of the aperture reflection plate. Therefore, by the difference in the beam intensity and the asymmetric scattering rate, the one laser functions as an effective push laser 121, and a cold atom beam 131 is extracted from the hole of the aperture reflection plate from a group of cold atoms trapped near the zero magnetic field line. In addition, as described above, the one laser (effective push laser) leaks out of the hole of the aperture reflection plate together with the cold atom beam 131.

[0042] 2D-MOT mechanism simply described in one example thereof has a 2D + -Structure of one pair of lasers on the zero magnetic field line excluding a two-dimensional quadrupole magnetic field in the MOT mechanism.

[0043] In such a cold atom beam generator 100, the traveling path of the cold atom beam 131 from the cold atom beam generator 130 (the traveling path coincides with the zero magnetic field line of the two-dimensional quadrupole magnetic field) coincides with the traveling path of the push laser 121 (i.e., the laser constituting one of the pair of lasers on the zero magnetic field line of the two-dimensional quadrupole magnetic field).

[0044] The cold atom beam generator 130 and the atom beam deflector 140 are located in a positional relationship in which the zero magnetic field line of the quadrupole magnetic field in the 2D-MOT mechanism as the atom beam deflector 140 crosses the traveling path of the cold atom beam 131 from the cold atom beam generator 130 (i.e., the zero magnetic field line of the two-dimensional quadrupole magnetic field in the MOT mechanism). + -Direction of the zero magnetic field line of the two-dimensional quadrupole magnetic field in the MOT mechanism). The direction of the zero magnetic field line of the quadrupole magnetic field in the 2D-MOT mechanism is set to be at an angle with respect to the direction of the zero magnetic field line of the two-dimensional quadrupole magnetic field in the MOT mechanism. + -The angle of the direction of the zero magnetic field line of the two-dimensional quadrupole magnetic field in the MOT mechanism with respect to the direction of the zero magnetic field line of the two-dimensional quadrupole magnetic field in the MOT mechanism is determined according to design conditions and the like, but is set to a prescribed angle of 5 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, for example.

[0045] The cold atomic beam 131 and the leaked push laser 121 enter the atomic beam deflector 140 having a structure including a 2D-MOT mechanism. According to the above-described positional relationship of the cold atomic beam generator 130 and the atomic beam deflector 140, the cold atomic beam 131 and the leaked push laser 121 obliquely intersect with the zero magnetic field line of the quadrupole magnetic field in the 2D-MOT mechanism of the atomic beam deflector 140. Also, the direction of travel of the cold atomic beam 131 is changed to the direction of the zero magnetic field line of the quadrupole magnetic field of the 2D-MOT mechanism by the deceleration force corresponding to the velocity and position of the atom caused by the 2D-MOT mechanism. However, because the push laser 121 is not affected by the 2D-MOT mechanism, the direction of travel of the push laser 121 does not change. Therefore, by the atomic beam deflector 140, the cold atomic beam 131 travels in a direction different from the direction of travel of the push laser 121.

[0046] The cold atomic beam 131 from the atomic beam deflector 140 is a cold atomic beam having a low velocity in the direction of travel of the atomic beam, a narrow velocity spread in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the atomic beam, and a high flux.

[0047] The cold atomic beam 131 from the atomic beam deflector 140 enters the adjustment device 500. The push laser 121 traveling in a direction different from the direction of travel of the cold atomic beam 131 is appropriately terminated and does not enter the adjustment device 500.

[0048] The adjustment device 500 causes the velocity of the atom included in the cold atomic beam 131 to approach a prescribed velocity by simultaneous irradiation of a plurality of lasers. The adjustment device 500 includes a laser generation section 501 that generates M lasers 511. Here, M is a predetermined integer satisfying 3 ≤ M. The total number M of the lasers 511 is the number of lasers 511 seen from the atom irradiated with the lasers 511 and does not necessarily coincide with the number of laser light sources.

[0049] The laser generation section 501 generates M lasers 511 satisfying the following conditions.

[0050] (1) The respective directions of travel 503 of the M lasers 511 cross the direction of travel 505 of the cold atomic beam 131.

[0051] (a) The component of the sum of the respective radiation pressure vectors of the M lasers 511 in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel 505 of the cold atomic beam 131 is zero.

[0052] (b) The component of the sum of the respective radiation pressure vectors of the M lasers 511 in the direction of travel 505 of the cold atomic beam 131 is negative with respect to an atom having a velocity larger than the prescribed velocity v d and is positive with respect to an atom having a velocity smaller than the prescribed velocity v dSmall speed atoms are positive.

[0053] Condition (1) is a condition in which the positional relationship with the respective traveling paths 503 of the M lasers 511 and the traveling path 505 of the cold atomic beam 131 is neither parallel (where "parallel" includes the case where they coincide) nor twisted, and is a condition for causing the lasers 511 used in the adjustment device 500 not to adversely affect the interference system of the interference device 200 described later and for causing the lasers 511 to act on the atoms included in the cold atomic beam 131. Note that the traveling path 503 and the traveling path 505 are the traveling path of the laser 511 and the traveling path of the cold atomic beam 131, respectively, before the two are about to cross. Conditions (a) and (b) are described later.

[0054] The laser generation section 501 can also generate M lasers 511 that satisfy the following additional condition.

[0055] (2) The M lasers 511 coincide with each other in a predetermined spatial region through which the cold atomic beam 131 passes.

[0056] Condition (2) is a condition for simultaneously inducing the interaction of atoms with the M lasers 511, and contributes to the realization of a small adjustment device 500.

[0057] Conditions (a) and (b) are described. Let j represent each integer satisfying 1≤j≤M, the wave vector of the jth laser 511 be kj, the intensity of the jth laser 511 be Ij, and the average radiation pressure vector Fj imparted by the jth laser 511 to an atom moving at a speed v be j given by Equation (1). Here, the laser 511 is a plane wave, h is Planck's constant, Γ is the natural width of the transition, I sat is the saturation intensity of the transition, δ j -k j ·v is the detuning from the resonance frequency f0 taking into account the Doppler effect, and the speed |v| is sufficiently small compared to the speed of light c.

[0058] [Equation 1]

[0059]

[0060] In the case where (I j / I sat ) / (1+(δ j -k j ·v) 2 / (Γ 2 / 4)) is small, the radiation pressure vector F received by the atom from the M lasers 511 is the sum of the M average radiation pressure vectors F jThe sum of the above gives, and thus conditions (a) and (b) are represented by equations (2) and (3), respectively. a of equation (3) is a positive constant, e v is the direction of the travel path 505 of the cold atomic beam 131, in other words, the unit directional vector of the direction of movement of the atom moving at the speed v.

[0061] [Num 2]

[0062]

[0063]

[0064] Condition (a) is a condition for preventing the imparting of momentum to the atom in the direction perpendicular to the travel path 505 of the cold atomic beam 131 by irradiation of the M lasers 511. Condition (b) is a condition for imparting momentum to the atom in the direction of the travel path 505 of the cold atomic beam 131, that is, the direction of travel of the cold atomic beam 131, from the atom having a speed greater than the prescribed speed v d to the atom having a speed less than the prescribed speed v d by irradiation of the M lasers 511.

[0065] By appropriately setting the intensity I j of the laser 511 and the detuning δ j -k j ·v of the frequency f j of the laser 511 taking into account the Doppler effect, conditions (a) and (b) or equations (2) and (3) are satisfied.

[0066] With the structure satisfying at least conditions (1), (a), and (b), in the case where the speed of the atom in the direction of travel of the cold atomic beam 131 is greater than the prescribed speed, the atom decelerates in the direction of travel of the cold atomic beam 131, and in the case where the speed of the atom in the direction of travel of the cold atomic beam 131 is less than the prescribed speed, the atom accelerates in the direction of travel of the cold atomic beam 131. Thus, the speed of the atom in the direction of travel of the cold atomic beam 131 approaches the prescribed speed.

[0067] An example of the structure satisfying the above conditions (1), (a), and (b) will be described. The speed |v| is sufficiently small compared to the speed of light c, that is, for each j, by assuming equation (4) and further disregarding the higher order terms of the small amount ε, the first approximation of equation (1) is given by equation (5).

[0068] [Num 3]

[0069]

[0070]

[0071] Therefore, for any j, in the case of δ j = δ, I j = I, equation (6) holds.

[0072]

Number 4

[0073]

[0074] Here, in the case where the condition of equation (7) holds, for equation (6), equations (8) and (9) hold.e j is a unit directional vector in a direction perpendicular to the unit directional vector e v and the wave vector k j . v

[0075]

Number 5

[0076]

[0077]

[0078]

[0079] As an example, let M = 4N (where N is a predetermined integer satisfying 1 ≤ N), n ∈ {1,.., N}, and let any unit directional vector in a direction perpendicular to the unit directional vector e v be e n,1 , e n,2 , and let the wave vector k 4n-3 , k 4n-2 , k 4n-1 , k 4n be determined in accordance with equations (10), (11), (12), and (13). Here, α n , β n , γ n are constants greater than zero corresponding to n (i.e., α n > 0, β n > 0, γ n > 0). Since β n ≠ 0 and γ n ≠ 0 satisfy condition (1).

[0080]

Number 6

[0081]

[0082]

[0083] ​

[0084]

[0085] For the wave vectors k 4n-3 , k 4n-2 , k 4n-1 , and k 4n determined by the formulas (10), (11), (12), and (13) n , the formulas (14), (15), and (16) hold, and thus the formulas (7) and (2) hold. That is, the condition (a) is satisfied.

[0086]

Number 7

[0087]

[0088]

[0089]

[0090] Then, under the condition of δ < 0, the right side of the formula (9) which takes into account α d ≠ 0 and the formula (16) is replaced by (|v| - v v )e j , and thus the left side of the formula (6) can be written as the formula (17).

[0091]

Number 8

[0092]

[0093] Thus, by setting the frequency of the laser light 511 of the wave vector k j to f 4n-3 , f 4n-2 , f 4n-1 , and f 4n to satisfy the formulas (18), (19), (20), and (21), a structure satisfying the condition (b) can be obtained. Here, the intensities of the laser light 511 are equal to each other, and δ < 0. The wave vectors k 4n-3 , k 4n-2 , k 4n-1 , and k 4n of the formulas (18), (19), (20), and (21) satisfy the formulas (10), (11), (12), and (13), respectively.

[0094]

Number 9

[0095] f 4n-3 = f0+ δ + υ d k 4n-3 · e υ (18)

[0096] f4n-2 = f0+ δ + υ d k 4n-2 · e υ (19)

[0097] f 4n-1 = f0+ δ + υ d k 4n-1 · e υ (20)

[0098] f 4n = f0+ δ + υ d k 4n · e υ (21)

[0099] When the angle formed by the proceeding path 505 of the cold atomic beam 131, that is, the direction e v of the motion of the atom and the wave vector k j is set as θ j , α n ≠ 0, β n ≠ 0, γ n ≠ 0, and thus |θ j | ≠ π / 2 and |θ j | ≠ 0. Here, the sign of the angle is positive in counterclockwise and negative in clockwise. If the contribution of the radiation pressure of the j-th laser 511 in the adjustment of the velocity of the atom is considered, it is preferable that θ j satisfies cos(π / 4) ≤ |cos θ j | < 1, and if the easiness of installation is also considered, it is preferable that θ j satisfies cos(π / 4) ≤ |cos θ j | ≤ cos(π / 10). In the above-described structural example, θ 4n-3 = -θ 4n-2 , θ 4n-1 = -θ 4n .

[0100] The dispersion relation of the laser in vacuum is |k j | = f j / c. Therefore, the frequencies f 4n-3 , f 4n-2 , f 4n-1 , and f 4n can be determined by the equations (22), (23), (24), and (25).

[0101]

Number 10

[0102]

[0103]

[0104]

[0105]

[0106] It should be noted that, according to the physical considerations of equation (14), the four lasers 511 (the 4n-3rd laser, the 4n-2nd laser, the 4n-1st laser, and the 4nth laser) pass through a predetermined spatial region S through which the cooled atomic beam 131 passes. n The elements overlap, therefore, according to this structural example, condition (2) is also satisfied for each n.

[0107] As a specific example Figure 2 An example structure is shown when M=4. Specifically, e n，1 =e n，2 Structures in the case of, for example Figure 3 As shown. Especially β n =γ n Structures in the case of, for example Figure 4 As shown. Especially e n，1 =e n，2 And β n =γ n Structures in the case of, for example Figure 5 As shown. e n，1 =e n，2 And β n =γ n In the case of a structure as a unit, a structure containing multiple units is, for example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown.

[0108] Let's illustrate with another example. Let M = 3N (where N is a predetermined integer satisfying 1 ≤ N), n ∈ {1, ..., N}, and let e be any unit direction vector perpendicular to the unit direction vector ev. n The wave vector k is determined according to equations (26), (27) and (28). 3n-2 k 3n-1 k 3n Among them, α n β n These are the constants greater than zero corresponding to n (i.e., α). n >0, β n >0). Due to β n ≠0 satisfies condition (1).

[0109]

Number 11

[0110] k 3n-2 =-2β n e n (26)

[0111] k 3n-1 = α n e υ + β n e n (27)

[0112] k 3n = -α n e υ + β n e n (28)

[0113] For the wave vectors k 3n-2 , k 3n-1 , k 3n determined by the equations (26), (27) and (28), the equations (7) and (2) hold as in the case of M = 4N. That is, the condition (a) is satisfied.

[0114] Further, under the condition of δ < 0, as in the case of M = 4N, by referring to the equation (3), the left side of the equation (6) can be written as the equation (29).

[0115] [Num 12]

[0116]

[0117] Therefore, by setting the frequency of the laser light 511 of the wave vector k j to f j , and setting the frequencies f 3n-2 , f 3n-1 , f 3n to satisfy the equations (30), (31) and (32), a structure satisfying the condition (b) can be obtained. Here, the intensities of the laser light 511 are equal to each other, and δ < 0. The wave vectors k 3n-2 , k 3n-1 , k 3n of the equations (30), (31) and (32) satisfy the equations (26), (27) and (28), respectively.

[0118] [Num 13]

[0119] f 3n-2 = f0+ δ (30)

[0120] f 3n-1 = f0+ δ+ υ d k 3n-1 · e υ (31)

[0121] f 3n = f0+ δ+ υ d k 3n · e υ (32)

[0122] When the cold atom beam 131 is directed along path 505, i.e., the direction of atomic motion e... v With wave vector k j Let the angle be θ j At that time, α n >0 and β n >0, therefore θ 3n-2 =π / 2, 0 < -θ 3n-1 <π / 2, θ 3n =π-θ 3n-1 If we consider the contribution of the radiation pressure of the j-th laser 511 in the adjustment of the atomic velocity, then θ is preferred. 3n-1 The condition cos(π / 4) ≤ cosθ is satisfied. 3n-1 <1, if ease of installation is also considered, then θ is preferred. 3n-1 The condition cos(π / 4) ≤ cosθ is satisfied. 3n-1 ≤cos(π / 10).

[0123] The dispersion relation of laser light in a vacuum is |k j |=f j / c. Therefore, frequency f 3n-1 f 3n It can be determined by equations (33) and (34).

[0124]

Number 14

[0125]

[0126]

[0127] It should be noted that, similar to the example of M=4N, the three lasers 511 (the 3n-2nd laser, the 3n-1st laser, and the 3nth laser) pass through a predetermined spatial region S through which the cooled atomic beam 131 passes. n The elements overlap, therefore, according to this structural example, condition (2) is also satisfied for each n.

[0128] As a specific example Figure 8 The following is a structural example with M=3. Figure 8 The structure shown is a single unit; structures containing multiple units include, for example... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown.

[0129] exist Figure 3 , 5 In each structure of 7, it is also possible to be in relation to the unit direction vector e. v and unit direction vector e n,1 (e n,2 In the orthogonal direction for spatial region S nLaser cooling is performed. Figure 8 , 10 In each structure, it is also possible to be in relation to the unit direction vector e v and unit direction vector e n Orthogonal directions for spatial region S n (S m Laser cooling is performed.

[0130] For example, for rubidium atoms, the D2 line (5S) 1 / 2 →5P 3 / 2 The resonant frequency f0 of the transition is 384.23 THz, and the natural width Γ of the transition is about 6 MHz. Therefore, it is set to δ = -Γ / 2. Given that the highest frequency of the atomic velocity distribution in the direction of travel of the cold atomic beam 131 from the atomic beam deflector 140 is 20 m / s, it is set to v. d =20 [m / s], set as θ 4n-3 =π / 4, θ 4n-2 =-π / 4, θ 4n-1 =3π / 4, θ 4n = -3π / 4, when M = 4, the adjustment device 500 can adopt a structure that satisfies the above conditions (1), (2), (a), (b).

[0131] As can be seen from the embodiments, the feature of the adjustment device 500 is not the hardware structure of the laser generating unit 501, but rather the condition that the M lasers 511 should satisfy, and the ability to use existing laser generating technology as the laser generating technology for the lasers 511. Therefore, a detailed description of the hardware structure of the laser generating unit 501 is omitted. When the laser generating unit 501 generates a traveling light standing wave as described in the above structural example, the hardware structure of the laser generating unit 501 is, for example, modeled after the optical structure of the traveling light standing wave generating device 300 described later, and is implemented by a combination of a laser light source, an optical fiber, an AOM (acousto-optic modulator), a beam shaper, etc.

[0132] The atoms in the cold atom beam 131 from the adjustment device 500 are set to the same energy level by optical pumping as needed. The cold atom beam 131, composed of atoms of the same energy level, enters the interferometer 200.

[0133] In the interference device 200, the cold atom beam 131 passes through three traveling light standing waves 200a, 200b, 200c. The first traveling light standing wave 200a and the third traveling light standing wave 200c of the three traveling light standing waves 200a, 200b, 200c have a property called a π / 2 pulse described later, and the second traveling light standing wave 200b has a property called a π pulse described later. Each traveling light standing wave is generated by two lasers having different frequencies and propagating in opposite directions. The traveling light standing waves drift at a speed sufficiently small compared with the speed of light c. However, the difference between the wave number of one laser and the wave number of the other laser is sufficiently small.

[0134] Here, an example of an optical structure of a traveling light standing wave generating device 300 that generates the three traveling light standing waves 200a, 200b, 200c (refer to FIG. 3) is described. Figure 11 ) is described.

[0135] The traveling light standing wave generating device 300 has three optical modulation devices 320a, 320b, 320c corresponding to the three traveling light standing waves 200a, 200b, 200c. The optical modulation device 320x (x e {a, b, c}) includes optical fibers 321x, 324x through which the laser light propagates, and a frequency shifter 323x that is connected to the optical fibers 321x, 324x and shifts the frequency of the laser light. The frequency shifter 323x is not limited, but is, for example, an AOM or an EOM (electro-optic modulator).

[0136] The laser light L from the laser light source 311 passes through the EOM 312, whereby the frequency is shifted by a prescribed frequency. The laser light L after the frequency shift is split by the fiber coupler 313a. One of the two laser lights L emitted from the fiber coupler 313a is split by the fiber coupler 313c, and the other of the two laser lights L emitted from the fiber coupler 313a is split by the fiber coupler 313b. One of the two laser lights L emitted from the fiber coupler 313b is split by the fiber coupler 313d, and the other of the two laser lights L emitted from the fiber coupler 313b is split by the fiber coupler 313e.

[0137] One of the two laser lights L emitted from the fiber coupler 313c is attenuated by the VOA (Variable Optical Attenuator) 314a, and is further shaped into a desired light beam (for example, a Gaussian light beam) by the beam shaper 315a composed of, for example, a lens and a collimator. The obtained light beam L a,1 enters the interference device 200. The other of the two laser lights L emitted from the fiber coupler 313c is guided to the AOM 323a without crossing the atom beam by the optical fiber 321a whose one end is connected to the fiber coupler 313c by an optical connector not shown. The other of the two laser lights L emitted from the fiber coupler 313e is guided to the AOM 323b without crossing the atom beam by the optical fiber 322a whose one end is connected to the fiber coupler 313e by an optical connector not shown.Figure 11 In the figure, the middle portion of the optical fiber 321a is omitted in consideration of visibility.

[0138] One of the two laser lights L emitted from the optical fiber coupler 313b is attenuated by the VOA 314a, and is further shaped into a desired light beam (e.g., a Gaussian light beam) by a beam shaper 315a composed of, for example, a lens and a collimator. The resulting light beam L b,1 enters the interferometer 200. The other of the two laser lights L emitted from the optical fiber coupler 313b is guided to the AOM 323b without crossing the atomic beam by an optical fiber 321b, one end of which is connected to the optical fiber coupler 313b by an optical connector not shown. In Figure 11 In the figure, the middle portion of the optical fiber 321b is omitted in consideration of visibility.

[0139] One of the two laser lights L emitted from the optical fiber coupler 313e is attenuated by the VOA 314c, and is further shaped into a desired light beam (e.g., a Gaussian light beam) by a beam shaper 315c composed of, for example, a lens and a collimator. The resulting light beam L c,1 enters the interferometer 200. The other of the two laser lights L emitted from the optical fiber coupler 313e is guided to the AOM 323c without crossing the atomic beam by an optical fiber 321c, one end of which is connected to the optical fiber coupler 313e by an optical connector not shown. In Figure 11 In the figure, the middle portion of the optical fiber 321c is omitted in consideration of visibility.

[0140] The other end of the optical fiber 321x (x e {a, b, c}) is connected to the frequency shifter 323x by an optical connector, and the laser light L enters the frequency shifter 323x. The frequency of the laser light L is shifted by the frequency shifter 323x. The amount of shift depends on the input signal frequency f x to the frequency shifter 323x. As a result, the laser light L is phase-modulated. One end of the optical fiber 324x is connected to the frequency shifter 323x by an optical connector, and the laser light L emitted from the frequency shifter 323x enters the optical fiber 324x. The laser light L is emitted from the other end of the optical fiber 324x, shaped into a desired light beam (e.g., a Gaussian light beam) by a beam shaper 316x composed of, for example, a lens and a collimator. The resulting light beam L x,2 enters the interferometer 200.

[0141] As a result, the laser light L x,1 that has not passed through the optical modulation device 320x x,2 propagates in the free space in the opposite direction, resulting in a traveling light standing wave 200x (x e {a, b, c}).

[0142] In the atomic interference system in the interferometer 200, 2-level transitions of atoms caused by light irradiation are utilized. Therefore, from the viewpoint of avoiding dephasing caused by spontaneous emission, generally, 2-level transitions with a long lifetime are utilized. For example, in a case where the atomic beam is an alkali metal atomic beam, stimulated Raman transitions between 2 levels included in a hyperfine structure of a ground state are utilized. In the hyperfine structure, the lowest level is set as |g>, and a level higher than |g> is set as |e>. The stimulated Raman transition between 2 levels is generally realized by a traveling light standing wave formed in relative irradiation of two lasers with a resonance frequency of |g> and |e> substantially equal to the difference frequency.

[0143] Hereinafter, atomic interference utilizing a two-photon Raman process based on a traveling light standing wave will be described.

[0144] When the cold atomic beam 131 passes through the first traveling light standing wave 200a, the state of each atom in the initial state |g, p> changes to a superposition state of |g, p> and |e, p + h(k1 - k2)>. Here, p is the momentum of the atom, k1 is the wave number of one of the two lasers generating the traveling light standing wave, and k2 is the wave number of the other laser (in the case of the first traveling light standing wave 200a, p0 = p, p1 = p + h(k1 - k2)). Figure 1 By, for example, appropriately setting the passing time Δt (i.e., the interaction time of the traveling light standing wave and the atom) of the first traveling light standing wave 200a, the ratio of the existence probability of |g, p> to that of |e, p + h(k1 - k2)> immediately after passing through the first traveling light standing wave 200a is 1 to 1. When the atom transitions from |g, p> to |e, p + h(k1 - k2)> by absorption and emission of two photons traveling in opposite directions, the momentum of the two photons is obtained. Therefore, the moving direction of the atom in the state |e, p + h(k1 - k2)> deviates from that of the atom in the state |g, p>. That is, when the cold atomic beam 131 passes through the first traveling light standing wave 200a, the cold atomic beam 131 is split into an atomic beam composed of atoms in the state |g, p> and an atomic beam composed of atoms in the state |e, p + h(k1 - k2)> at a ratio of 1:1. The first traveling light standing wave 200a is called a π / 2 pulse and has a function as a splitter of the atomic beam.

[0145] After the splitting, the atomic beam consisting of atoms in the state |g,p> and the atomic beam consisting of atoms in the state |e,p+h(kl-k2)> pass through the second traveling optical standing wave 200b. At this time, by setting the passing time of the second traveling optical standing wave 200b, i.e., the interaction time of the traveling optical standing wave with the atoms, for example, to 2Δt, the atomic beam consisting of atoms in the state |g,p> is inverted to the atomic beam consisting of atoms in the state |e,p+h(kl-k2)> in the process of passing through the second traveling optical standing wave 200b, and the atomic beam consisting of atoms in the state |e,p+h(kl-k2)> is inverted to the atomic beam consisting of atoms in the state |g,p> in the process of passing through the second traveling optical standing wave 200b. At this time, for the former, as described above, the traveling direction of the atoms which transition from |g,p> to |e,p+h(kl-k2)> deviates from the moving direction of the atoms in the state |g,p>. As a result, the traveling direction of the atomic beam consisting of atoms in the state |e,p+h(kl-k2)> after passing through the second traveling optical standing wave 200b is parallel to the traveling direction of the atomic beam consisting of atoms in the state |e,p+h(kl-k2)> after passing through the first traveling optical standing wave 200a. In addition, for the latter, when the atoms transition from |e,p+h(kl-k2)> to |g,p> by the absorption and emission of two photons which travel in opposite directions, the atoms lose the same momentum as that obtained from the two photons. That is, the moving direction of the atoms which transition from |e,p+h(kl-k2)> to |g,p> deviates from the moving direction of the atoms in the state |e,p+h(kl-k2)> before the transition. As a result, the traveling direction of the atomic beam consisting of atoms in the state |e,p> after passing through the second traveling optical standing wave 200b is parallel to the traveling direction of the atomic beam consisting of atoms in the state |e,p> after passing through the first traveling optical standing wave 200a. The second traveling optical standing wave 200b is called a π pulse and has the function of a mirror for the atomic beam.

[0146] After the inversion, the atomic beam composed of the atoms in the state |g, p> and the atomic beam composed of the atoms in the state |e, p + h(kl - k2)> pass through the third traveling light standing wave 200c. The time at which the cold atomic beam 131 passes through the first traveling light standing wave 200a is set to tl = T, the time at which the two atomic beams after the splitting pass through the second traveling light standing wave 200b is set to t2 = T + ΔT, and the time at which the two atomic beams after the inversion pass through the third traveling light standing wave 200c is set to t3 = T + 2ΔT. At the time t3, the atomic beam composed of the atoms in the inverted state |g, p> and the atomic beam composed of the atoms in the inverted state |e, p + h(kl - k2)> cross each other. At this time, by appropriately setting, for example, the passing time of the third traveling light standing wave 200c, that is, the interaction time of the traveling light standing wave with the atoms, specifically, by setting the passing time of the third traveling light standing wave 200c to the above Δt, a cold atomic beam 131b corresponding to a superposed state is obtained, the superposed state being a superposed state of |g, p> and |e, p + h(kl - k2)> of each atom contained in the intersection region of the atomic beam composed of the atoms in the state |g, p> and the atomic beam composed of the atoms in the state |e, p + h(kl - k2)>. This cold atomic beam 131b is the output of the interference device 200. The third traveling light standing wave 200c is called a π / 2 pulse and has a function as a combiner of atomic beams.

[0147] The observation device 400 irradiates the cold atomic beam 131b from the interference device 200 with a probe light 408 and detects fluorescence from the atoms in the state |e, p + h(kl - k2)> with a light detector 409. As the light detector 409, a photomultiplier tube, a photodetector, or the like can be exemplified. Alternatively, in the case where a channeltron is used as the light detector 409, the atomic beam of one of the two paths after passing through the third traveling light standing wave 200c can be ionized by laser light instead of the probe light and ions can be detected with the channeltron.

[0148] In a case where the Mach-Zehnder type atomic interferometer 800 is applied to an atomic gyroscope as the inertial sensor 900, the observation device 400 can also perform a process of detecting an angular velocity or an acceleration as a physical quantity from the population of atoms in the excited state. In a case where an angular velocity or an acceleration in a plane including both paths of the atomic beam from the irradiation of the first traveling light standing wave 200a to the irradiation of the third traveling light standing wave 200c is applied to the Mach-Zehnder type atomic interferometer 800, a phase difference is generated in both paths of the atomic beam from the irradiation of the first traveling light standing wave 200a to the irradiation of the third traveling light standing wave 200c, which is reflected in the presence probability of the state |g> and the presence probability of the state |e> of each atom that has passed through the third traveling light standing wave 200c. Therefore, the observation device 400 can detect an angular velocity or an acceleration by observing the cold atomic beam 131b from the interference device 200, that is, the atomic beam obtained after passing through the third traveling light standing wave 200c, that is, by measuring the population of atoms in the excited state |e>, for example. The process of detecting an angular velocity or an acceleration from the population of atoms in the excited state is known, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0149] <Modified Example>

[0150] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the Mach-Zehnder type atomic interference is performed by one splitting, one inversion, and one mixing by three traveling light standing waves, but the present application is not limited to such an embodiment, and the atomic interferometer of the present application can also be implemented as an embodiment using a multi-stage Mach-Zehnder type atomic interference that performs multiple splitting, multiple inversion, and multiple mixing, for example. For such a multi-stage Mach-Zehnder type atomic interference, refer to Reference Literature 2.

[0151] (Reference Literature 2) Takatoshi Aoki et al., “High-finesse atomic multiple-beam interferometer comprised of copropagating stimulated Raman-pulse fields,” Phys. Rev. A 63, 063611 (2001) - Published 16 May 2001.

[0152] In addition, the atomic interferometer of the present application is not limited to the Mach-Zehnder type atomic interferometer, and can also be a Ramsey-Bord type atomic interferometer, for example.

[0153] In the above-described embodiment, the cold atomic beam generator 130 has a 2D +- the structure of the MOT mechanism. However, the cold atom beam generator 130 can generate a cold atom beam from atoms trapped in space using a pushing laser, and is not limited to a structure including a 2D + - the structure of the MOT mechanism, for example, can also have a structure including an LVIS mechanism (for example, Reference 3), a structure including a 2D-MOT mechanism (for example, Reference 4), a structure including a 2D-HP MOT mechanism (for example, Reference 5), or a structure using a laser and a pyramidal hole mirror to generate a cold atom beam (for example, Reference 6).

[0154] (Reference 3) Z. Lu, K. Corwin, M. Renn, M. Anderson, E. Cornell and C. Wieman: "Low-Velocity Intense Source of Atoms from a Magneto-optical Trap,," Phys. Rev. Lett., 77, 16, pp. 3331-3334 (1996).

[0155] (Reference 4) J. Schoser, A. Batar, R. Low, V. Schweikhard, A. Grabowski, Yu. B. Ovchinnikov, and T. Pfau, "Intense source of cold Rb atoms from a pure two-dimensional magneto-optical trap," PHYSICAL REVIEW A, 66, 023410 2002.

[0156] (Reference 5) Jia-Qiang Huang, Xue-Shu Yan, Chen-Fei Wu, Jian-Wei Zhang, and Li-Jun Wang, "Intense source of cold cesium atoms based on a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap with independent axial cooling and pushing," Chin. Phys. B Vol. 25, No. 6 063701 (2016).

[0157] (Reference 6) J. Arlt, O. Marago, S. Webster, S. Hopkins and C. Foot: "A pyramidal magnetooptical trap as a source of slow atoms," Opt. Commun., December, pp. 303-309 (1998).

[0158] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the atomic beam deflector 140 has a structure including a 2D-MOT mechanism. However, the atomic beam deflector 140 only needs to deflect the cold atomic beam from the cold atomic beam generator 130, and is not limited to a structure including a 2D-MOT mechanism, and can have a structure including a moving optical molasses mechanism, for example.

[0159] Briefly describing one example of the moving optical molasses mechanism, it includes at least one pair of lasers. The pair of lasers forms a running optical standing wave. The running optical standing wave imparts a velocity to an atom in a direction of drift thereof. In a case where the moving optical molasses mechanism includes two pairs of lasers, each pair of lasers forms a running optical standing wave. An atom entering a crossing region of the two running optical standing waves is imparted with a velocity in a resultant direction of the drift directions of the two running optical standing waves.

[0160] In a case where the atomic beam deflector 140 has a structure including a moving optical molasses mechanism, the cold atomic beam generator 130 and the atomic beam deflector 140 are located in a positional relationship in which a running path of a running optical standing wave in the moving optical molasses mechanism crosses (preferably, orthogonally) a running path of the cold atomic beam from the cold atomic beam generator.

[0161] The cold atomic beam 131 and the leaked pusher laser beam 121 enter the atomic beam deflector 140 having a structure including a moving optical molasses mechanism. According to the above-described positional relationship of the cold atomic beam generator 130 and the atomic beam deflector 140, the cold atomic beam 131 and the leaked pusher laser 121 obliquely intersect with a running path of a running optical standing wave in the moving optical molasses mechanism of the atomic beam deflector 140. Further, a running direction of the cold atomic beam 131 is changed according to the principle of the moving optical molasses. However, since the pusher laser 121 is not affected by the moving optical molasses mechanism, a running direction of the pusher laser 121 is not changed. Therefore, by the atomic beam deflector 140, the cold atomic beam 131 runs in a direction different from a running direction of the pusher laser 121.

[0162] <Supplementary Note>

[0163] The above conditions (1), (2), (a), and (b) are explained. In the case of, for example, production or transfer of the atomic interferometer 800, at the time point, the laser 511 and the atomic beam 131 are not present in the atomic interferometer 800. However, for example, the travel path 503 of the laser 511 can be determined from the orientation of the laser emission port or the angle of the mirror. Further, for example, the travel path 505 of the atomic beam 131 can be determined from the positional relationship of the cold atomic beam generation device 100, the adjustment device 500, and the interference device 200. That is, even in the absence of the laser 511 and the atomic beam 131, it is possible to judge the establishment of each of the conditions (1) and (2). Further, depending on the hardware structure of the laser generation section 501, it is possible to determine the intensity and frequency of the laser 511 that the laser generation section 501 can generate, and thus even in the absence of the laser 511 and the atomic beam 131, it is possible to judge the establishment of each of the conditions (a) and (b). Therefore, the scope of protection of the inertial sensor, the atomic interferometer, and the adjustment device described in the claims is not limited to the scope of protection in the presence of the laser and the atomic beam, but is intended to include the scope of protection in the absence of the laser and the atomic beam as well.

[0164] While the present application has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications can be made within the scope of the application, elements of which are substituted with equivalents. Further, many modifications can be made to a particular system, device, or component thereof in light of the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the application. Therefore, the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out the application but includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0165] Further, the use of the terms "first", "second", etc. do not imply a sequential or chronological order, but rather serve for the purpose of differentiating one element from another. The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present application. The term "comprising" and its derivations, as used in the specification and / or claims, mean the inclusion of the recited features, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but not the exclusion of one or more additional features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In the claims, the use of the terms "connected", "coupled", "engage", "link", or "joined" and their conjugates does not necessarily denote direct connections or coupling, but can also denote indirect connections or coupling via one or more intermediate elements.

[0166] Unless otherwise stated, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, terms such as those defined in common dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant art and this disclosure, and should not be ideally or excessively formally interpreted unless explicitly defined.

[0167] It should be understood that numerous techniques and steps are disclosed in this specification. Each of these has its own advantages and can be used individually or in combination with one or more other disclosed methods, or as appropriate, with all other disclosed methods. Therefore, to avoid becoming cluttered, any possible combinations of individual techniques or steps are avoided in this specification. However, it should be understood and read that such combinations of the specification and claims are fully within the scope of this invention and the claims.

[0168] The structures, materials, actions, and equivalents corresponding to all functional elements combined with the means or steps in the following claims, if they exist, are intended to include structures, materials, or actions for performing functions in combination with other claimed elements.

[0169] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications and variations are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention. The selected and described embodiments are used to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application. The present invention is used in various embodiments with various modifications or variations, which are determined according to the intended use. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, and are intended to provide the same protection in accordance with the broad interpretation given in a fair, legal and impartial manner.

[0170] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0171] 100 Cold Atom Beam Generation Device

[0172] Area 100a

[0173] 110 Atomic Source

[0174] 121 Driving the laser

[0175] 130 Cold Atom Beam Generator

[0176] 140 Atomic Beam Deflector

[0177] 131 Cold Atom Beam

[0178] 131b Cold Atom Beam

[0179] 200 interference device

[0180] 200a first traveling light standing wave

[0181] 200b second traveling light standing wave

[0182] 200c third traveling light standing wave

[0183] 300 traveling light standing wave generation device

[0184] 400 observation device

[0185] 408 probe light

[0186] 409 light detector

[0187] 500 adjustment device

[0188] 501 laser generation section

[0189] 503 traveling path

[0190] 505 traveling path

[0191] 511 laser light

[0192] 800 atom interferometer

[0193] 900 inertial sensor

[0194] S n spatial region

[0195] S m spatial region

Claims

1. An inertial sensor, characterized by including: a cold atom beam generating device that continuously generates a cooled atom beam; an adjusting device that brings the velocity of atoms included in the cold atom beam close to a prescribed velocity; a traveling light standing wave generating device that generates three or more traveling light standing waves; an interference device that obtains an atom beam that is a result of interaction of the cold atom beam from the adjusting device and the three or more traveling light standing waves; an observation device that detects a physical quantity by observing the atom beam from the interference device; the adjusting device includes a laser generating section that generates M number of lasers that satisfy the following conditions (A), (B), and (C) with M being a predetermined integer that satisfies 3 ≤ M, (A) respective traveling paths of the M number of lasers cross a traveling path of the atom beam; (B) a component in a direction perpendicular to the traveling path of the atom beam of a sum of respective radiation pressure vectors of the M number of lasers is zero; (C) a component in a direction of the traveling path of the atom beam of the sum of the respective radiation pressure vectors of the M number of lasers is negative with respect to the atom having a velocity greater than the prescribed velocity, and is positive with respect to the atom having a velocity less than the prescribed velocity.

2. An atomic interferometer, characterized in that including: a cold atom beam generating device that continuously generates a cooled atom beam; an adjusting device that brings the velocity of atoms included in the cold atom beam close to a prescribed velocity; a traveling light standing wave generating device that generates three or more traveling light standing waves; an interference device that obtains an atom beam that is a result of interaction of the cold atom beam from the adjusting device and the three or more traveling light standing waves; the adjusting device includes a laser generating section that generates M number of lasers that satisfy the following conditions (A), (B), and (C) with M being a predetermined integer that satisfies 3 ≤ M, (A) respective traveling paths of the M number of lasers cross a traveling path of the atom beam; (B) a component in a direction perpendicular to the traveling path of the atom beam of a sum of respective radiation pressure vectors of the M number of lasers is zero; (C) a component in a direction of the traveling path of the atom beam of the sum of the respective radiation pressure vectors of the M number of lasers is negative with respect to the atom having a velocity greater than the prescribed velocity, and is positive with respect to the atom having a velocity less than the prescribed velocity.

3. The atom interferometer according to claim 2, wherein the cold atom beam generating device includes: an atom source; a cold atom beam generator that generates the atom beam from atoms from the atom source that are trapped in space using a push laser; an atom beam deflector into which the atom beam from the cold atom beam generator enters; the atom beam deflector includes a two-dimensional magnetic optical trap mechanism or a moving optical glue mechanism, a traveling path of the atom beam from the cold atom beam generator coincides with a traveling path of the push laser, in a case where the atom beam deflector includes the two-dimensional magnetic optical trap mechanism, a zero magnetic field line of a quadrupole magnetic field in the two-dimensional magnetic optical trap mechanism crosses the traveling path of the atom beam from the cold atom beam generator, In a case where the atomic beam deflector includes a moving optical adhesive mechanism, a traveling path of a traveling light standing wave in the moving optical adhesive mechanism intersects a traveling path of the atomic beam from the cold atomic beam generator.

4. An adjustment method of bringing a velocity of atoms included in an atomic beam close to a prescribed velocity, the adjustment method characterized by comprising: having M be a predetermined integer satisfying 3 ≤ M, and simultaneously irradiating the atomic beam with M lasers satisfying the following conditions (A), (B), and (C), (A) respective traveling paths of the M lasers intersect a traveling path of the atomic beam; (B) a component of a sum of respective radiation pressure vectors of the M lasers in a direction perpendicular to the traveling path of the atomic beam is zero; (C) a component of the sum of the respective radiation pressure vectors of the M lasers in a direction of the traveling path of the atomic beam is negative with respect to the atom having a velocity larger than the prescribed velocity, and is positive with respect to the atom having a velocity smaller than the prescribed velocity.

5. The adjustment method according to claim 4, characterized in that: the atomic beam is a cold atomic beam, wherein the cold atomic beam is constituted by atoms whose velocity in a direction perpendicular to a traveling path of the cold atomic beam is suppressed.

6. An adjustment apparatus of bringing a velocity of atoms included in an atomic beam close to a prescribed velocity, the adjustment apparatus characterized by comprising a laser generation section that has M be a predetermined integer satisfying 3 ≤ M, and generates M lasers satisfying the following conditions (A), (B), and (C), (A) respective traveling paths of the M lasers intersect a traveling path of the atomic beam; (B) a component of a sum of respective radiation pressure vectors of the M lasers in a direction perpendicular to the traveling path of the atomic beam is zero; (C) a component of the sum of the respective radiation pressure vectors of the M lasers in a direction of the traveling path of the atomic beam is negative with respect to the atom having a velocity larger than the prescribed velocity, and is positive with respect to the atom having a velocity smaller than the prescribed velocity.

7. The adjustment apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that: N is a predetermined integer satisfying 1 ≤ N, and M = 4N, intensities of the M lasers are equal to each other, A unit directional vector of a direction of a traveling path of the atomic beam is set as e v An arbitrary unit directional vector of a direction orthogonal to the unit directional vector e v is set as e n,1 , e n,2 , Wave vector k 4n-3 , k 4n-2 , k 4n-1 , k 4n is ， where n e {1,..., N}, a n > 0, β n > 0, γ n > 0, The prescribed velocity is set as v d The frequency of the laser light of the wave vector k 4n-3 is set as f 4n-3 The frequency of the laser light of the wave vector k 4n-2 is set as f 4n-2 The frequency of the laser light of the wave vector k 4n-1 is set as f 4n-1 The frequency of the laser light of the wave vector k 4n is set as f 4n The resonance frequency is set as f0, and the frequencies f 4n-3 , f 4n-2 , f 4n-1 , f 4n are ， where δ < 0.

8. The adjustment apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that: The unit direction vector e v is set to θ 4n-3 The unit direction vector e 4n-3 is set to θ v The unit direction vector e 4n-1 is set to θ 4n-1 , and cos(π / 4) ≤ |cosθ 4n-3 | < 1, and cos(π / 4) ≤ |cosθ 4n-1 | < 1.

9. The adjustment apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that: N is a predetermined integer satisfying 1 ≤ N, and M = 3N, intensities of the M lasers are equal to each other, A unit directional vector of a direction of a traveling path of the atomic beam is set as e v An arbitrary unit directional vector of a direction orthogonal to the unit directional vector e v is set as e n , Wave vector k 3n-2 , k 3n-1 , k 3n is ， where n e {1,..., N}, a n > 0, β n > 0, The prescribed velocity is set as v d The frequency of the laser light of the wave vector k 3n-2 is set as f 3n-2 The frequency of the laser light of the wave vector k 3n-1 is set as f 3n-1 The frequency of the laser light of the wave vector k 3n is set as f 3n The resonance frequency is set as f0, and the frequencies f 3n-2 , f 3n-1 , f 3n are ， where δ < 0.

10. The adjustment apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that: The unit direction vector e v With the wave vector k 3n-1 Let the angle be θ 3n-1 The condition is satisfied that cos(π / 4) ≤ cosθ 3n-1 <1.

11. The adjustment apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that: the atomic beam is a cold atomic beam, wherein the cold atomic beam is constituted by atoms whose velocity in a direction perpendicular to a traveling path of the cold atomic beam is suppressed.

12. The adjustment apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that: The M lasers coincide with each other in a predetermined spatial region through which the atomic beam passes. The M lasers coincide with each other in a predetermined spatial region through which the atomic beam passes.

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