Comparison and characterization of the field Atomic Quantum Gravimeter (AQG#B01)

The recent advancements in gravity quantum sensors promise maintenance-free, easy to use, continuous and accurate monitoring devices. This technological breakthrough in gravity instrumentation offers new possibilities for both laboratory and field experiments in different geosciences applications. These new gravity quantum sensors allow e.g. for the monitoring of transient processes in volcanology, plate tectonics (slow slip events) or hydro-geology (pumping tests).

The first commercial field quantum gravimeters are nowadays available (AQGB, Muquans TM). The AQG#B01 is actually under validation. It is tested and compared with a superconducting gravimeter (GWR iGrav#002 and an absolute ballistic gravimeter (MG-L FG5#228) in the French Larzac Observatory () during more than 1 month. A first small (50 nm/s²) transient gravity variation caused by hydro-geological charge has been recorded by both the quantum and superconducting gravimeter.

Additionally its sensitivity to environmental noise is characterized by its Allan variance. Absolute ballistic comparison during one month allows to estimate a maximum potential drift. Sensitivity tests on instrument tilts and orientation have been done. In order to evaluate the AQG-B as a field sensor, sensitivity to external temperature changes have been tested in the range 10°C-30°C. All the tests allow a clear characterization of the AQG-B for future field experimentation.

AQG#B01 development has been funded is the frame of the grant “investissement d’avenir” EquipEx RESIF-CORE.