Interferometry with Bose-Einstein condensates from ground to space

Abstract

Quantum sensors based on atom interferometry are precise measurement devices whose ultimate performance can be reached using Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) in extended free fall. This thesis summarizes the endeavour of the QUANTUS and MAIUS collaborations to enable BECs for precision interferometry in space. The presented results have set the foundation for future space missions aiming at geodesy applications or tests of fundamental physics.