Bruno Desruelle, Philippe Bouyer, Arnaud Landragin
DESCRIPTION
Our idea involves developing a high-performance absolute gravimeter dedicated to various geophysics applications. T his instrument will be capable of measuring vertical acceleration with a relative accuracy close to 10-9. Gravimetric surveying/monitoring is already a well-established technique for different purposes related to underground analysis. The presence of heterogeneity in the ground does indeed lead to gravimetric anomalies that can be detected by a high-sensitivity instrument. These sensors are therefore considered very powerful tools for subsurface “imaging”. Their utilisation in monitoring volcanoes is an interesting application example, and they offer high potential in detecting advance signals of seismic activity. Other applications are also possible in hydrology, seismic surveillance, and the monitoring of oil and gas production sites.
Our idea involves developing a high-performance absolute gravimeter dedicated to various geophysics applications. T his instrument will be capable of measuring vertical acceleration with a relative accuracy close to 10-9. Gravimetric surveying/monitoring is already a well-established technique for different purposes related to underground analysis. The presence of heterogeneity in the ground does indeed lead to gravimetric anomalies that can be detected by a high-sensitivity instrument. These sensors are therefore considered very powerful tools for subsurface “imaging”. Their utilisation in monitoring volcanoes is an interesting application example, and they offer high potential in detecting advance signals of seismic activity. Other applications are also possible in hydrology, seismic surveillance, and the monitoring of oil and gas production sites.
INNOVATION
This project is based on a highly innovative technology. Our gravimeter is based on atom cooling and trapping, as well as on quantum manipulation techniques using lasers. The principle relies on the measurement of the acceleration experienced by rubidium atoms initially trapped and cooled at a temperature of a few μK in a vacuum chamber. This sensor technology is protected by a recent international patent. In addition, the gravimeter performance will require the used of advanced GNSS techniques because the absolute vertical position of the sensor must be determined within few millimetres anywhere on earth.
This project is based on a highly innovative technology. Our gravimeter is based on atom cooling and trapping, as well as on quantum manipulation techniques using lasers. The principle relies on the measurement of the acceleration experienced by rubidium atoms initially trapped and cooled at a temperature of a few μK in a vacuum chamber. This sensor technology is protected by a recent international patent. In addition, the gravimeter performance will require the used of advanced GNSS techniques because the absolute vertical position of the sensor must be determined within few millimetres anywhere on earth.
TARGET MARKET
Our product addresses the global market for applied geophysics. In the short term, we expect to develop some activity with companies specialised in the management and exploration of underground resources. Our solutions will also be of crucial interest to members of the academic community who are conducting research activities in the field of gravimetry and looking for new application schemes. Over the longer term, we think our approach – the first compatible with permanent monitoring – will give rise to the emergence of gravimetric earth surveillance networks, which will considerably improve our capability to predict seismic activity and volcanic eruptions.CUSTOMER BENEFIT
Utilisation of laser-cooled atoms is a disruptive technology in the field of gravimetry and will offer future customers interesting benefits compared to state-of-the-art technology. I n particular, our gravimeter will offer the possibility of performing absolute measurement with extreme accuracy (close to 10-9). Another interesting feature is our innovation’s unlimited acquisition time at a high repetition rate (a few Hz). Eventually, we expect a significant gain in weight and compacity compared to current absolute gravimeters.
Our product addresses the global market for applied geophysics. In the short term, we expect to develop some activity with companies specialised in the management and exploration of underground resources. Our solutions will also be of crucial interest to members of the academic community who are conducting research activities in the field of gravimetry and looking for new application schemes. Over the longer term, we think our approach – the first compatible with permanent monitoring – will give rise to the emergence of gravimetric earth surveillance networks, which will considerably improve our capability to predict seismic activity and volcanic eruptions.CUSTOMER BENEFIT
Utilisation of laser-cooled atoms is a disruptive technology in the field of gravimetry and will offer future customers interesting benefits compared to state-of-the-art technology. I n particular, our gravimeter will offer the possibility of performing absolute measurement with extreme accuracy (close to 10-9). Another interesting feature is our innovation’s unlimited acquisition time at a high repetition rate (a few Hz). Eventually, we expect a significant gain in weight and compacity compared to current absolute gravimeters.
Contact:
μQuanS
Mr Bruno Desruelle, PhD.
Centre Technologique Optique,
Batiment A11, 351 cours de la liberation
33405 TAL ENCE,
France
phone: +33 6 28 34 46 98
e-mail:bruno.desruelle@microquans.com
