Characterization and limits of a cold atom Sagnac interferometer

We present the full evaluation of a cold atom gyroscope based on atom interferometry. We have performed extensive studies to determine the systematic errors, scale factor and sensitivity. We demonstrate that the acceleration noise can be efficiently removed from the rotation signal, allowing us to reach the fundamental limit of the quantum projection noise for short term measurements. The technical limits to the long term sensitivity and accuracy have been identified, clearing the way for the next generation of ultra-sensitive atom gyroscopes. ∗ Present address: Department of Physics, Durham University, Rochester Building, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, England † Present address: European Gravitational Observatory, Via E. Amaldi, 56021 S. Stefano a Macerata Cascina (PI), Italy ‡ Present address: ARTEMIS Observatoire de Nice, Boulevard de l’Observatoire, 06305 Nice, France [email protected]; LNE-SYRTE, UMR 8630 CNRS, UPMC, Observatoire de Paris