European Initiative's Quantum Sensors to Deliver Climate Insights

A research project launched by the European Commission with support from the European Union's Quantum Flagship initiative is developing quantum-enabled space-based sensors that aim to provide a sharper view of environmental changes on Earth. The project will use the technique of cold atom interferometry as the technological basis for sensors that are expected to aid in the monitoring of glaciers, sea level rises, and variations in groundwater levels.

The €17 million ($18.9 million) project called CARIOQA-PMP (Cold Atom Rubidium Interferometer in Orbit for Quantum Accelerometry – Pathfinder Mission Preparation) seeks to improve traditional gravity-sensing methods by incorporating the extraordinary capabilities of quantum sensors.

Materials on Earth, like rocks, minerals, and water, have different densities from place to place. The Earth’s gravity field is affected by the mass of these materials. The more mass in an area, the stronger the gravitational pull in that location. When large masses move or change, such as ice melting and flowing into the ocean or when groundwater is depleted, it changes local gravity.

Traditional gravity mapping can detect these differences, which can in turn yield insights on the location of underground water, how much ice is melting in the polar regions, or locating natural resources.

From outer space, however, the picture of gravity is somewhat unclear. When using traditional gravimeters, weak gravitational signals from Earth pose a challenge to those attempting to measure fine-scale variations across different regions.

Based on cold atom interferometry, the quantum accelerator being developed through the CARIOQA project will allow scientists to see a complete gravity map of the Earth in a much higher resolution. This interferometric method relies on the principles of quantum mechanics to examine and exploit the wave-like behavior of atoms at extremely low temperatures. When atoms are cooled to near absolute zero, they move almost in slow motion, allowing for extremely precise measurements with lasers.

The project comes in two parallel parts: CARIOQA-PMP and CARIOQA-PHA (Phase A). CARIOQA-PMP is focused on developing quantum accelerometry technology for use in space within the next decade. It will lay the groundwork for the Quantum Pathfinder Mission, with CARIOQA-PHA continuing the effort to demonstrate the feasibility of a Quantum Space Gravimetry Pathfinder Mission, aiming to enable the deployment of quantum gravimeters and accelerometers in space by the European Union.

CARIOQA consortium partners include the French Space Agency, the German Aerospace Center, Airbus Defence and Space in France and Germany, EXAIL, TELETEL, Leonardo, GMV, and additional European laboratories and universities.