Development of an atom-interferometer gravity gradiometer for gravity measurement from space

Recent progress in cold atom interferometry has lead to a new method of sensitive inertial sensing. Significant performance enhancement of cold atom interferometer-based sensors is anticipated when operated in the microgravity environment in space. Based on cold atom interferometer techniques, we are developing a quantum gravity gradiometer for satellite-based global gravity field mapping. As a first step, we have built a laboratory-based gradiometer employing component technologies suitable for a future flight instrument. This paper describes the implementation of the laboratory instrument and its initial results. PACS 03.75.Dg; 39.20.+q; 32.80.Pj; 04.80.-y