U.S-France Cooperative Research: Atom-Interferometer based Gyroscope Improvements for Space and Ground-based Tests of General Relativity

Investigator(s):

Mark Kasevich (PI)

Sponsor:

Yale University, CT 06520 2034322460

Start Date/Expiration Date

2001-03-15 to 2004-02-29 (amended 2001-03-07)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$12,000

Abstract: 0004059 Kasevich This three-year award for U.S.-France collaboration involves Mark A. Kasevich and his group at Yale University and Philippe Bouyer and his group at the Laboratoire Charles Fabry de l'Institut d'Optique in Orsay. The aim of the collaboration is the development of techniques and applications of atom interferometric rotation sensors. In particular, the collaboration addresses: comparison studies of US thermal atomic beam gyroscope with CNRS atomic found gyroscope; development of a ground-based program to test General Relativity using atom interferometer gyroscopes; NASA/European Space Agency flight experiments relying on atom interferometer gyroscopes; and uses of Bose-Einstein condensed atomic sources for atom interferometry. The US and French groups bring to this collaboration complementary expertise and comparable, high quality and precision instruments. This award represents the US side of a joint proposal to the NSF and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). NSF will cover travel funds and living expenses for the US investigator and graduate students. CNRS will support the visits of the French researchers to the United States. The collaboration will advance fundamental understanding of the wave nature of matter as well as the use of atom interferometer gyroscopes in space flights and navigation.

NSF Org:

OISE - Office of International Science and Engineering

Award Number:

0004059

Award Instrument:

Standard Grant

Program Manager:

Rose Gombay
OISE Office of International Science and Engineering
O/D OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

NSF Program(s):

WESTERN EUROPE PROGRAM

Field Application(s):

Space

Program Reference Code(s):

FRANCE, 5918
UNASSIGNED, 0000

Program Element Code(s):

5980