QUANTUM GRAVIMETERS FOR GEOPHYSICAL APPLICATIONS

Quantum gravimeters based on atom interferometry represent a new generation of gravity sensors, combining absolute measurements, high long-term stability, and high sensitivity. These characteristics make them particularly attractive for geophysical applications, where the detection of small gravity variations is essential for investigating subsurface mass distributions and temporal processes. In this thesis, the operating principles of quantum gravimeters are presented in a pedagogical and rigorous manner, bridging the gap between the quantum mechanical description of atom interferometry and its practical use in geophysics. The Mach–Zehnder atom interferometer configuration is analyzed in detail, including the role of Raman laser pulses, phase accumulation, and the influence of gravitational acceleration on the interferometric signal. Finally, the applicability of quantum gravimeters to geophysical problems is investigated through forward gravimetric modeling and inverse methods for density estimation. Numerical simulations based on synthetic models are used to assess the capability of quantum gravimeters to resolve subsurface density variations, including scenarios involving fluid substitution and instrumental drift. The results demonstrate that quantum gravimeters have the potential to significantly enhance the resolution and reliability of gravity-based geophysical investigations, opening new perspectives for monitoring geological, hydrological, and environmental processes. Quantum gravimeters based on atom interferometry represent a new generation of gravity sensors, combining absolute measurements, high long-term stability, and high sensitivity. These characteristics make them particularly attractive for geophysical applications, where the detection of small gravity variations is essential for investigating subsurface mass distributions and temporal processes. In this thesis, the operating principles of quantum gravimeters are presented in a pedagogical and rigorous manner, bridging the gap between the quantum mechanical description of atom interferometry and its practical use in geophysics. The Mach–Zehnder atom interferometer configuration is analyzed in detail, including the role of Raman laser pulses, phase accumulation, and the influence of gravitational acceleration on the interferometric signal. Finally, the applicability of quantum gravimeters to geophysical problems is investigated through forward gravimetric modeling and inverse methods for density estimation. Numerical simulations based on synthetic models are used to assess the capability of quantum gravimeters to resolve subsurface density variations, including scenarios involving fluid substitution and instrumental drift. The results demonstrate that quantum gravimeters have the potential to significantly enhance the resolution and reliability of gravity-based geophysical investigations, opening new perspectives for monitoring geological, hydrological, and environmental processes.

Quantum gravimeters based on atom interferometry represent a new generation of gravity sensors, combining absolute measurements, high long-term stability, and high sensitivity. These characteristics make them particularly attractive for geophysical applications, where the detection of small gravity variations is essential for investigating subsurface mass distributions and temporal processes. In this thesis, the operating principles of quantum gravimeters are presented in a pedagogical and rigorous manner, bridging the gap between the quantum mechanical description of atom interferometry and its practical use in geophysics. The Mach–Zehnder atom interferometer configuration is analyzed in detail, including the role of Raman laser pulses, phase accumulation, and the influence of gravitational acceleration on the interferometric signal. Finally, the applicability of quantum gravimeters to geophysical problems is investigated through forward gravimetric modeling and inverse methods for density estimation. Numerical simulations based on synthetic models are used to assess the capability of quantum gravimeters to resolve subsurface density variations, including scenarios involving fluid substitution and instrumental drift. The results demonstrate that quantum gravimeters have the potential to significantly enhance the resolution and reliability of gravity-based geophysical investigations, opening new perspectives for monitoring geological, hydrological, and environmental processes.