Matter Wave Interferometer Gravity Curvature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gravity surveys of subterranean formations have low resolution due to limitations in measuring gravity and its derivatives, such as gradients and curvature, which affects the accuracy of identifying reservoirs, water bodies, fractures, and heterogeneous portions within the formation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a matter wave interferometry technique that uses laser-cooled atoms to measure gravity and its derivatives with higher precision, allowing for centimeter-scale resolution by splitting and recombining atomic clouds in a gravitational field, enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple spatial points and higher-order derivatives like curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional gravimeters are used to measure gravity and its derivatives, then the measurement process is simple and straightforward, but the measurement precision is insufficient leading to low resolution formation maps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gravimeters with an atom interferometer that uses laser-cooled atoms and quantum mechanical wave interference to measure gravity and its derivatives. This substitution of mechanical measurement systems with quantum-based optical systems enables significantly higher measurement precision while accepting increased device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If gravity and its derivatives are measured with higher precision using matter wave interferometry, then the resolution of formation maps improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameters by using laser-cooled atoms at ultra-low temperatures and employing multiple Raman laser beams at specific frequencies to create quantum superposition states. These parameter changes in the measurement system enable centimeter-scale resolution in formation mapping.
3Productivity
If multiple spatial points are measured simultaneously using matter wave interferometry, then the productivity of formation surveying increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the atomic cloud into multiple spatially separated superimposed clouds using Raman laser beams, allowing simultaneous measurement of gravity and its derivatives at multiple spatial points. This segmentation of the measurement process enables parallel data collection from different formation locations, significantly improving surveying productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the resolution of formation maps and well logs by providing more precise measurements of gravity and its derivatives, improving the identification of subterranean features and fluid locations.
Implementation Method 1
a matter wave interferometry technique that uses laser-cooled atoms to measure gravity and its derivatives with higher precision
Implementation Method 2
uses laser-cooled atoms to measure gravity and its derivatives with higher precision
Implementation Method 3
splitting and recombining atomic clouds in a gravitational field, enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple spatial points and higher-order derivatives like curvature
Data Source
AI summary
Gravity surveys of subterranean formations may be based on the simultaneous measurement of gravity and its derivatives to produce a higher resolution formation map or wellbore log. For example, a method of performing a gravity survey may include positioning a matter wave interferometer relative to a subterranean formation; producing at least one cloud of atoms in the matter wave interferometer; producing a superposition of atoms in two different, spatially separated superimposed clouds from each of the at least one cloud of atoms; propagating the two different, spatially separated superimposed clouds along the matter wave interferometer as they with a gravitational field of the subterranean formation; combining the two different, spatially separated superimposed clouds with a Raman laser beam; measuring an interference produced by producing and combining the two different, spatially separated superimposed clouds; and calculating gravity for the gravitational field of the subterranean formation based on the interference.