Standards Development
This document specifies quantities and parameters to be measured for the performance evaluation of absolute quantum gravimeters based on free-falling cold atoms and describes the corresponding test methods.
The scope includes the definition of the main terms of the field, description of the measurement principle and operation of a quantum gravimeter, description of the test methods for performance evaluation, including environmental test conditions, measureme nt protocols of the relevant quantities and parameters, as well as data analysis.
The standard concerns absolute quantum gravimeters with free -falling atoms, which, as compared to other types of quantum and classical gravimeters, have some specific features like their ability to provide continuous absolute gravity measurements. Neverthe less, most of the parameters, quantities and measurement methods specified here can also be applied to other types of classical or quantum gravimeters.
The scope includes quantum gravimeters measuring the vertical acceleration due to the gravitational attraction by the Earth, based on matter -wave interferometry with free-falling cold atoms.
The scope excludes:
- The measurement of other accelerations than the vertical acceleration due to the gravitational attraction of the Earth, in static conditions
- Quantum gravimeters based on other measurement techniques than matter
-wave interferometry with free-falling atoms, such as trapped atoms
- Quantum sensing of other quantities or specific protocols using non -classical states.
The standard does not provide any recommendation on numerical values for parameters and related quantities used to characterize the performance of quantum gravimeters.
Because of the measurement principle of quantum gravimeters, which employ free -falling atoms as a reference, quantum gravimeters can be absolute (primary) measurement instruments, i.e. they can be auto-calibrating through trace-back to fundamental constants such as atomic transitions, and to SI units. Therefore, they rival classical gravimeters in precision, repeatability and systematic uncertainty. In addition, the measurement principle of quantum gravimeters does not employ mechanical parts, and thus gives the potential for high robustness.
This standard is driven by the rapidly growing market of quantum gravimeters, which have been commercialized worldwide for several years, including the USA, France, UK, China and other countries. Manufacturers and end-users can originate from different communities and need to agree on a common vocabulary to evaluate the performance of instruments. However, there is currently no standardized protocol for performance evaluation and testing methods.
Such a standard, by allowing objective, reliable and comparable datasheets for the sensors, will support technology development. It will also be beneficial to the development of uses of quantum gravimeters in the various application fields of geophysical r esearch, including monitoring of volcanoes, earthquake research, hydrology, etc; exploration and management of underground resources; civil engineering… The stakeholders are all along the value chain: from technology providers & manufacturers to users, passing through national metrology institutes, etc, all in their broad diversity of status (private industrial companies, public bodies) and activity sectors.
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