Quantum sensors based on coherent matter-waves are precise measurement devices whose ultimate accuracy is achieved with Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) in extended free fall. This is ideally realized in microgravity environments such as drop towers, ballistic rockets and space platforms. However, the transition from lab-based BEC machines to robust and mobile sources with comparable performance is a challenging endeavor. Here we report on the realization of a miniaturized setup, generating a flux of 4x10(5) quantum degenerate Rb-87 atoms every 1.6 s. Ensembles of 1 x 10(5) atoms can be produced at a 1 Hz rate. This is achieved by loading a cold atomic beam directly into a multi-layer atom chip that is designed for efficient transfer from laser-cooled to magnetically trapped clouds. The attained flux of degenerate atoms is on par with current lab-based BEC experiments while offering significantly higher repetition rates. Additionally, the flux is approaching those of current interferometers employing Raman-type velocity selection of laser-cooled atoms. The compact and robust design allows for mobile operation in a variety of demanding environments and paves the way for transportable high-precision quantum sensors.
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机译：基于相干物质波的量子传感器是精确的测量设备，其最终精度可通过长时间自由落体的Bose-Einstein冷凝物（BEC）实现。理想的情况是在微重力环境中实现，例如落塔，弹道火箭和太空平台。但是，从基于实验室的BEC机器到性能可比的强大和移动源的过渡是一项艰巨的任务。在这里，我们报告了一个小型化装置的实现，该装置每1.6 s产生4x10（5）个量子退化Rb-87原子通量。可以1 Hz的速率产生1 x 10（5）个原子的集合。这是通过将冷原子束直接加载到多层原子芯片中而实现的，该多层原子芯片被设计用于从激光冷却到磁陷云的有效传输。获得的简并原子通量与当前基于实验室的BEC实验相当，同时提供了更高的重复率。另外，通量接近采用激光冷却原子的拉曼速度选择的当前干涉仪的通量。紧凑而坚固的设计允许在各种苛刻的环境中进行移动操作，并为可移动的高精度量子传感器铺平了道路。
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