NRNU MEPhI: Quantum gravimeter

Main article: Gravity

2024: Quantum Gravimeter Development

At NRNU MEPhI, a quantum gravimeter is being developed - a device designed to measure the slightest changes in the gravitational field, which, according to the creators, is superior in accuracy to many analogues used in practice. This was announced on August 12, 2024 by representatives of the NRNU MEPhI.

The device is created by employees of the Institute of Laser and Plasma Technologies of NRNU MEPhI under the leadership of the head of the Department of Physical and Technical Problems of Metrology, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Pyotr Borisyuk.

source = NRNU MEPhI

In fact, the gravimeter is a super-accurate atomic clock that runs on strontium ions. With the help of laser radiation, strontium atoms are first frozen to ultra-low temperatures, and then - also with the help of a laser - excited, starting to rhythmically emit pulses of light. As Pavel Cherepanov, an engineer at the Department of Physical and Technical Problems of Metrology, said, atomic clocks developed at NRNU MEPhI allow you to measure time exactly up to ten to minus sixteen degrees - that is, up to one ten-square second. Thus, the device can play the role of a super-precision optical quantum time and frequency standard, which can, for example, be used for synchronizing distance-separated equipment or in navigation equipment, especially in situations where radio communication is difficult (for example, in submarines).

However, the device not only measures time, but is also able to measure the level of Earth's gravity, since, according to general relativity, the stronger gravity, the slower the clock goes, and the light emitted by atoms shifts to the red side of the spectrum.

According to Pavel Cherepanov, the quantum gravimeter is able to track changes in the gravitational field of the earth in exactly more than one millionth of a gala (gal is a unit of measurement of free fall), while the pendulum and ballistic gravimeters used today have accuracy of the order from one ten thousandth to one hundred thousandth of a gala.

"Thus, a quantum gravimeter is more than tens of times more accurate than non-quantum analogues at comparable sizes. However, quantum instruments have a significant miniaturization potential, albeit with a slight loss of accuracy relative to stationary quantum instruments, "said Pavel Cherepanov.

In the future, a quantum gravimeter can be used in geological exploration, precision topography and navigation equipment.