High data-rate atom interferometer for measuring acceleration

Atom interferometers have the potential to be exceptional broadband inertial sensors in both translational and rotational degrees of freedom. The demonstrated performance of this technology rivals the best ring-laser gyroscopes and falling corner-cube gravimeters. However, compact and field-worthy manifestations of atom interferometers remain elusive using standard approaches. Furthermore, bandwidths have typically been limited to a few Hertz, which is insufficient for a broader application space. We demonstrate a high data-rate light-pulse atom interferometer for measuring acceleration. The device is optimized to operate at rates between 50 Hz to 330 Hz with sensitivities of 0.57 micro-g/rtHz to 36.7 micro-g/rtHz, respectively. Our method offers a dramatic increase in data rate and demonstrates a path to new applications in highly dynamic environments.