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Abstract:
Falling corner cube gravimeters (FCCG) pose the current state-of-the-art instruments for absolute terrestrial gravimetry. However, already in the early 1990s, experimental quantum gravimeters have been demonstrated: a fundamentally different principle for measuring gravity based on probing the free-fall trajectory of ultracold atoms via quantum matter wave interference. In recent years, the community's interest in quantum gravimeters has strongly increased as they have progressed from experimental prototypes towards commercially available instruments intended for end-users in geodetic applications.The commercially available iXblue Absolute Quantum Gravimeter (AQG) B-series instrument is a field-compatible successor to the A-series AQG, which is restricted to indoor use. Here, we present our first results of evaluating the AQG-B10 instrument for lab and field operation in BKG’s routine measurement campaigns. We assess the instrument precision, stability, accuracy and reproducibility based on comparison measurements at the Geodetic Observatory Wettzell employing a continuous gravity reference function. This reference is derived from the combination of measurements with the Micro-g LaCoste FG5 FCCG, currently dominating absolute gravimetry, with highly precise superconducting gravimeters, and is linked to the EURAMET.M.G-K3 regional comparison of absolute gravimeters. Moreover, we compare the AQG-B10 to the Micro-g LaCoste A10 FCCG, the current state-of-the-art instrument for absolute field measurements.
