Vector atom accelerometry in an optical lattice

The creation of a matter-wave interferometer can be achieved by loading Bose-Einstein condensed atoms into an optical lattice. By shaking the lattice via either phase or frequency modulation, the traditional steps of interferometry; splitting, propagating, reflecting, again propagating and then recombining the atomic wavefunction, can be implemented, allowing for the sensing of broad range of inertial signals. This approach is interesting, since the atoms can be supported against external forces and perturbations, and the system can be completely reconfigurable on-the-fly for a new design goal. We report on theoretical and experimental results in which atoms are cooled to degeneracy in a dipole trap and subsequently loaded into a multidimensional optical lattice. Shaking protocols for obtaining interferometry steps are derived via machine-design approaches consisting of machine learning and quantum optimal control. Experimental confirmation of the designed operation of a two-dimensional vector accelerometer is shown and its performance to applied accelerations measured. Both the direction and magnitude of the applied signal is varied and validation of both scenarios presented.