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Session B8: Quantum PNT 3

Low-SWaP Quantum Gravimeters in the Field
J. Kohler, C. Corder, A. Jenkins, H. Coffin, W. Galan, M. Everton, A. Vitouchkine, A. Rakholia, M. Cashen, J. Abo-Shaeer. Vector Atomic
Location: Ballroom E
Date/Time: Tuesday, Jun. 2, 4:45 p.m.

Vector Atomic has fielded operational quantum gravimeters for both strapdown maritime and terrestrial surveying applications [1-2]. These state-of-the-art gravimeters have operated autonomously for extended durations and produced data sets for comparison to gravity anomaly maps [3-4], tidal models [5], and conventional gravity measurement instruments [6] in relevant operational environments. Future low-SWaP commercial quantum gravimeters currently in development will ultimately find use in areas such as navigation, gravity surveying and mapping, groundwater monitoring, and natural resource exploration [7-12].
In this presentation, we will provide an overview of results from at-sea tests of Vector Atomic’s strapdown marine gravimeter. We will show comparisons of quantum gravimeter data against publicly available gravity maps, demonstrating that the measurement errors are below the mGal level, limited by available map resolution and accuracy. Further comparison with other ship-board gravity sensors and re-traced survey tracks provide evidence that the quantum gravimeter delivers repeatable measurements at the sub-mGal level.
Following succesful demonstrations at sea, we have built a fully integrated quantum gravimeter, with reduced SWaP and improved system performance, as a major milestone toward productization of our quantum gravimeter. The integrated gravimeter incorporates a compact IMU, supporting stand-alone specific force measurements in the NED frame and motion corrections to estimate gravity on a mobile platform. In addition, we have significantly reduced the SWaP of the electronics and laser assembly into an integrated 100 L maritime package that operates turnkey on ship power with an ethernet interface. We will present preliminary results on environmental qualification and Mil-Spec testing of the integrated gravimeter.
In addition to strapdown maritime deployment, we have also fielded gravimeters for terrestrial survey applications and are developing a gravimeter for use on an airborne platform. Our terrestrial instrument functions as both a gravimeter and a gradiometer in a 50 L package and is battery operable, consuming 75W of 12V power. For airborne applications we are targeting a 27 L volume with further reduced power consumption. We will address technical challenges for airborne quantum gravimetry and present preparations and progress toward a flight test.
References:
1. J. Kohler et al. At-sea Demonstration of a Strap-down, Absolute Atomic Gravimeter at RIMPAC 2022. Joint Navigation Conference 2023.
2. C. Corder et al. “Fully Integrated Absolute Atomic Gravity Gradiometer.” American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting 2024.
3. D. T. Sandwell, et al. New global marine gravity model from CryoSat-2 and Jason-1 reveals buried tectonic structure, Science, Vol. 346, no. 6205, pp. 65-67
4. Andersen, O.B., Knudsen, P. (2019). The DTU17 Global Marine Gravity Field: First Validation Results. Fiducial Reference Measurements for Altimetry. International Association of Geodesy Symposia, vol 150.
5. ETERNA 3.40: http://igets.u-strasbg.fr/soft_and_tool.php
6. FG5-X: https://microglacoste.com/product/fg5-x-absolute-gravimeter/
7. A. Jircitano et al. Gravity Based Navigation of AUV’s. Proc. Symp. Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Technology, 177-180 (1990)
8. C. Affleck et al. Passive Gravity Gradiometer Navigation System. Proc. Symp. On Position Location and Navigation, 60-66 (1990)
9. H. Rice et al. Geophysical navigation technologies and applications. PLANS 2004, 618-624 (2004)
10. L. Wu et al. Performance Evaluation and Analysis for Gravity Matching Aided Navigation. Sensors 17, 769 (2017)
11. Wilson, Clark R., et al. Field test of the superconducting gravimeter as a hydrologic sensor. Groundwater 50.3 (2012): 442-449.
12. Dransfield, M., and B. Milkereit. Airborne gravity gradiometry in the search for mineral deposits. Proceedings of exploration. Vol. 7. (2007)

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