FR2877430A1 - Inertial magnitude measuring method for measuring speed of rotation, involves emitting puff of slow moving atoms from source along constant direction and opposite to direction, during presence of gravitational field - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves emitting puff of slow moving atoms from a source (1) along a constant acceleration direction and opposite to the direction, during the presence of a gravitational field. The atoms are manipulated in a coherent manner at successive locations at their paths (tr) with separations. The variation of the state of the atoms is detected, where the variation is representative of a rotation of an axis. An independent claim is also included for an inertial magnitude measurement apparatus.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ROTATION SPEED MEASUREMENT

BY ATOMIC INTERFEROMETRY

  The present invention relates to improvements in the field of measuring, by atomic interferometry, the speed of a rotation undergone by a system.

  In the following, depending on the context, the corpuscular aspect of the atom ("atom") or the undulatory aspect of the atom ("atomic wave") will be used.

  It is known to constitute inertial sensors (gravimeters, accelerometers, gyrometers) with material waves using interferometry and implementing manipulations of atomic or separating wavelengths, such as for example Raman transitions, to achieve a separation of beams of atoms. Document FR 2 826 446 to which reference may be made, as well as documents US Pat. Nos. 5,274,231 and 5,274,232, provide information on the operation of such an apparatus using Raman transitions generated by pairs of laser beams. . The devices, and especially the gyrometers, thus formed have a very high sensitivity and a very high stability over time.

  As regards more specifically gyrometric measurements, FIGS. 1A and 1B of the appended drawings (in which reference is made to a three-dimensional space defined by three mutually perpendicular axes Ox, Oy, Oz) are schematized, respectively in three-dimensional representation and in planar projection. in the Ox, Oy plane, the known method comprising the steps of: - emitting at 1 pulses of slow atoms along a ballistic trajectory TR contained in a plane Ox, Oz in a vacuum space, - emitting three pairs of beams laser F1, F2, F3 two opposing pairs, parallel to a direction Oy and locally transverse (substantially perpendicular in the example shown) to the trajectory of the atoms to cause successive interactions with the atoms causing separators of the type Raman transitions on the beam of atoms, the interactions being successively.

  É a first Raman transition (so-called nn / 2 interaction) created by the pair of laser beams F1 and capable of causing a spatial separation of the atoms into two wave packets respectively along two diverging paths TRI, TR2, É a second Raman transition ( said interaction n) created by the pair of laser beams F2 and able to generate a mirror effect and to bring back the two atom paths towards each other respectively according to two convergent TRI ', TR2' paths, and E a third a Raman transition (so-called n / 2 interaction) created by the pair of beams F3 and capable of causing the two atomic wave packets to interfere and to direct them towards two respective outputs, and to detect in 2 the internal state of the atoms of the atom 'interference.

  This basic configuration presents: a sensitivity to the SZZ component of rotation along the Oz axis, sensitivity which is proportional to the oriented area included between the two arms of the interferometer, as shown schematically by the shaded area 3 on the projection plane shown in Figure 1B; in the case where the separators are made using optical transitions (one or two photons) of vector parallel to the axis Oy, the phase shift of the atomic waves at 2 between the two output arms of the interferometer writes: Al) = 2.keff.Qz.vx.T2 (T being the time interval between Raman interactions, where vx is the velocity component of the atoms along the Ox axis); and a sensitivity to the ay component of the acceleration along the axis Oy; the phase difference between the arms of the interferometer is written: kef f. at. T2 The distinction between the contributions of the rotation and of the acceleration is obtained by implementing two circulations of atoms of opposite directions on two superimposed and inverse trajectories, thanks to the use of two bursts of contra-propagating atoms. Also, this arrangement: with two sources gives access to the two components Q, and ç4 of rotation of axes parallel to the axes Oy and Oz respectively.

  However, this known method poses several problems.

  First, the implemented architectures are very sensitive (too sensitive) to accelerations.

  In addition, the second aforementioned architecture requires the implementation of two sources (called "balls") to overcome the effects of accelerations and provide the only information speed of rotation.

  Finally, these known configurations are not sensitive to the component S2; {of the axis rotation Ox if the interactions n / 2 are symmetrical with respect to the interaction it, which must correspond to the apogee of the trajectories of the atoms ( case shown in Figure 1). Now, the knowledge of this third component QX of axis rotation Ox is essential for the realization, in conjunction with the axis rotation components Oy and Oz, of an inertial measurement system in space.

  The object of the invention is therefore to propose means (method and apparatus) suitable for providing information representative of the component Cà. the Ox axis rotation, while using for this purpose means as little constraining as possible and simpler than those implemented in known configurations, particularly as regards the emission of the flushes of atoms slow and the generation of separators.

  For these purposes, according to a first of its aspects, the invention proposes a method for measuring inertial quantities by atomic interferometry, consisting of: - emitting slow flushes of atoms along a ballistic trajectory in a space under vacuum, - manipulating of coherently the atoms in several locations of their trajectory, the manipulations or separators being successively at least: É a first separator capable of causing a spatial separation of the atoms into two atomic wave packets respectively following two divergent paths, E at least one other separator capable of generating a mirror effect to bring the two atomic wave packets towards each other respectively along two convergent paths, and E a final separator capable of causing the two atomic wave packets to interfere and to direct them towards two respective outputs, - and detect the states of the atoms resulting from the interference, which procedure is characterized, in accordance with the invention, in that: - in the presence of a continuous acceleration field, the pulses of slow atoms are emitted from a single source substantially in the direction of the continuous acceleration and in contrast to it, so that the emitted atoms fall, under the action of this continuous acceleration, substantially in their direction of emission and in the opposite direction, and - we handle in a consistent manner the atoms in 4 + 2 minutes (with m = 2 or 3 and n natural integer> _ 0) successive locations of their trajectory, the manipulations or separators being successively at least.

  E the aforementioned first separator (n / 2 interaction) capable of separating the atoms into two atomic wave packets respectively according to two divergent paths, E at least one second separator capable of causing a first mirror effect (interaction n) and to make the two trajectories first convergent, then divergent, E at least one third separator capable of causing a second mirror effect (interaction n) and converging the two trajectories, and E the aforesaid last separator (interaction n / 2) specific to causing the two atomic wave packets to be interfered with and directed towards the two aforesaid respective outputs, the duration between the two central separators being an integer multiple of the duration respectively between two extreme separators.

  The implementation of the method according to the invention leads to a configuration which does not depend on the vertical speed of the atoms, but which depends solely on the continuous acceleration I ', the time T between the first two separators and the the area between the two output arms of the interferometer (which is a function of the component of the axis rotation speed Ox). Thus, the configuration according to the invention is insensitive to the acceleration components and is sensitive only to the single component Q of the axis rotation Ox perpendicular to both the emission axis Oz atoms and to the Oy axis of action of consistent handling.

  Moreover, the result obtained by the process according to the invention does not have any sensitivity to continuous accelerations.

  Finally, the fact of emitting flashes of slow atoms on a path parallel to the direction of acceleration continues, then let them return to the same trajectory in the opposite direction under the action of this continuous acceleration allows to put only one source (or ball) of slow atom flashes: we thus save, compared to the known processes with two beams of atoms directed in opposite directions, a source of slow atoms of atoms: this represents a significant financial saving, as well as a significant gain in space and weight.

  The separators could certainly be generated in different ways: one or two photon optical transitions, slit diffraction gratings, However, the simplest way, taking into account the experience acquired in this way through the known configurations, consists in using optical transitions generated using laser beams that generate separators of the Raman transitions types.

  Thus, in a preferred embodiment, in order to coherently handle the bursts of slow atoms, 4 + 2 min (with m = 2 or 3 and n 0) are emitted. The pairs of laser beams are opposite and locally substantially perpendicular to the trajectory. atoms (laser beams parallel to the axis Oy) to cause with them successive interactions and, in this case, the separators created by these interactions are stimulated Raman transitions.

  In a concrete and simple way, we use 4 (n = 0) pairs of laser beams. In this case, the phase shift of the atomic waves between the two output arms of the interferometer is written: Oc1 = 3/32 keff.F.T3.S2x with keff = k1 -k2 k1 and k2 being the wave vectors associated with both counterpropagating lasers.

  In order to simplify the implementation of the method according to the invention, the pairs of laser beams suitable for creating the first and fourth Raman transitions (n / 2 interactions) are grouped together and the pairs of laser beams suitable for creating the second and fourth third Raman transitions (n interactions). In addition, it is advantageous to synchronize the emission of slow atoms of atoms so that a packet of emitted atoms moving against the continuous acceleration and a pack of atoms recalled by the acceleration and moving in the direction of continuous acceleration intersect exactly opposite a pair of laser beams and then use a single pair of laser beams simultaneously providing the functions of two pairs of laser beams to create the first and fourth Raman transitions (nt / 2 interactions) and a single pair of laser beams simultaneously providing the functions of the two pairs of laser beams suitable for creating the second and third Raman transitions (it interactions).

  In a practical implementation of the invention, the continuous acceleration field is a gravitational field, and in particular is the terrestrial gravitational field (gravity g). In the latter case, the phase shift is written: = 3 / 32.keff. xEg.T3 The value of the scale factor depends on the gravity g.

  According to a second of its aspects, the invention proposes an apparatus for measuring inertial quantities by atomic interferometry for the implementation of the above method, comprising - at least one source of emission of slow atoms of atoms in a space under vacuum emitting flashes of slow atoms on at least one ballistic trajectory, - means of coherent manipulation of the atoms in several locations of their trajectory, the manipulations or separators being successively at least: É a first separator (n / 2 interaction) to cause a spatial separation of the atoms into two atomic wave packets respectively following two divergent paths, E at least one other separator (interaction 7t) capable of generating a mirror effect and bringing the two atomic wave packets back to one another the other respectively according to two convergent paths, and E a last separator (interaction n / 2) able to interfere the two packets d the atomic waves and directing them to two respective outputs; and detection means responsive to the state of the atoms resulting from the interference, which apparatus being arranged in accordance with the invention, is characterized in that Since the apparatus is located in a continuous acceleration field: the emission source of the slow atom bursts is unique and arranged so that the slow atom bursts are emitted substantially in the direction of the continuous acceleration and the opposite of the latter, so that the emitted atoms fall, under the action of this continuous acceleration, substantially in their direction of emission and in the opposite direction; and the means of coherent manipulation of the atoms act in 4 + 2 min (with m = 2 or 3 and n 0) successive locations of said trajectory of the atoms, the successive manipulations or separators being successively at least: E the aforesaid first separator (interaction n / 2) for separating the two atomic wave packets 25 respectively according to two divergent paths, E at least one second separator capable of causing a first mirror effect (interaction n) and rendering the two paths first convergent, then divergent, É at least a third separator capable of provoking a second mirror effect (interaction n) and making the two paths convergent, and É the aforesaid last separator (interaction 7t / 2) capable of interfering the two wave packets atomic and direct them to the respective two respective outputs, the duration between the two central separators being twice the duration between respectively two separators e xtremes, and the detection means are capable of detecting the variation of the state of the atoms which is representative of an axis rotation Ox perpendicular both to the emission axis Oz of the atoms and to the axis Oy of action means of coherent manipulation of atoms.

  The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments given solely by way of non-limiting examples. In this description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrammatic representations illustrating the basic method of the state of the art; FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrammatic representations illustrating the arrangements which are the basis of the method according to the invention and making it possible to better understand said method according to the invention; FIG. 3A is a schematic representation illustrating the method according to the invention; FIG. 3B is a schematic representation, similar to that of FIG. 3A, illustrating a preferred implementation of the method of the invention; and FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic representations, similar to that of FIG. 2B, obtained for trajectories developed for particular values of the parameters m and n (respectively m = 3, n = 1 and m = 2, n = 1).

  We first refer to Figures 2A and 2B to better understand the provisions that are the basis of the process according to the invention. For the measurement of inertial quantities by atomic interferometry, there is an increased number, compared to the method of the state of the art, of coherent manipulations of the atoms in an increased number of locations of their trajectory. More precisely, as illustrated in FIG. 2A in three dimensions (drawn in the case where n = 0 to simplify the drawing and make it brighter), the atoms are handled in a coherent manner in 4 + 2 min (with m = 2 or 3 and n natural number> 0 0) successive locations of their trajectory tr, manipulations or separators (schematized by pairs of arrows transverse to the trajectory) being successively at least: É the aforementioned first separator (interaction n / 2) specific to separating the atoms into two atomic wave packets respectively according to two diverging tri-tr2 paths, E at least one second separator capable of causing a first mirror effect (interaction i) and rendering the two paths tri ', tr2' d ' first convergent, then divergent after their crossing which occurs at the respective apogees (in A) of the paths, É at least one third separator capable of causing a second mirror effect (interaction n) and to make it the two last paths tri ", tr2", and finally the last separator (interaction n / 2) capable of causing the two atomic wave packets to interfere and to direct them towards the two respective respective outputs of the interferometer. The variation of the state of the atoms on the two outputs is detected in 2. The duration (here equal to 2T) between the two central separators is an integer multiple (here double) of the duration T between respectively two extreme separators, as visible in Figure 23 which illustrates the projection of the trajectory on the plane Ox, Oy.

  The value 2 or 3 of the parameter m is chosen by those skilled in the art according to the desired compromise between sensitivity and time. For n = 2, the number of interactions is 4 + 4n (better sensitivity, but increased time) and, for n = 3, the number of interactions is 4 + 6n (the sensitivity is lower, but the time is reduced).

  As shown in FIG. 2B (also drawn in the configuration where n = 0), the two oriented areas 31, 32 delimited by the plane projection of the trajectory of the atoms on the Ox, Oy plane are identical, but of opposite orientations . The configuration shown in FIG. 2A is therefore insensitive to the axis rotation components Oy and Oz. By against the oriented area 4, located in a plane parallel to the plane Oy, Oz, shown schematically in Figure 2A is understood that this configuration is sensitive to the axis of rotation component Ox.

  This type of configuration thus makes it possible to obtain the desired Ox axis rotation information in accordance with the object of the invention.

  However, this configuration is sensitive to accelerations.

  In order for the system thus designed to be insensitive to accelerations, it is necessary to double it (this arrangement is not illustrated) and to provide two sources of opposite atoms emitting pulses of contrapropagating atoms on superimposed and inverse paths. However, the disadvantage of such an arrangement lies in the implementation of two sources of atoms, a solution that is expensive, complex and cumbersome.

  To solve these difficulties, the invention proposes to implement, in conjunction with the provisions that have just been described with regard to FIG. 2A, the additional provisions that follow.

  One places oneself in the presence of a field of continuous acceleration F, which in practice can be a gravitational field, in particular the gravitational field terrestrial (gravity g). As shown in FIG. 3A, in the presence of this continuous acceleration field F, the pulses of slow atoms are emitted from a single source 1 substantially in the direction of the continuous acceleration F and contrary to this direction. ci, so that the emitted atoms fall, under the action of this continuous acceleration, substantially in their direction of emission and in the opposite direction. This arrangement can be considered as equivalent to a folding of the configuration of FIG. 2A on itself (flattening of the trajectory of the atoms) and thus the representation of FIG. 3A can be likened to the trajectory of FIG. 2A seen according to FIG. Ox axis.

  It is then on the atoms thus emitted that the coherent manipulations exposed above are carried out in 4 + 2 min (with m = 2 or 3 and n 0) successive locations of their tr trajectory, the manipulations or separators being successively at least : E the aforementioned first separator (n / 2 interaction) capable of separating the atoms into two atomic wave packets according to two diverging tr, tr2 paths respectively, E at least one second separator capable of causing a first mirror effect (interaction n) and to make the two paths tri ', tr2' first convergent, then divergent after their intersection which occurs at the respective apogees (in A) of these paths, E at least one third separator capable of causing a second mirror effect (interaction 7L ) and to make convergent the two paths tr ", tr2", and E the aforesaid last separator (interaction nt / 2) able to interfere the two packets of atomic waves and to direct them towards the two s said respective outputs.

  The time between the two central separators is an integer multiple of the duration T between two extreme separators respectively.

  The implementation of the process according to the invention leads to a configuration which does not depend on the vertical speed of the atoms, but which depends solely on the continuous acceleration F (g in the case of the terrestrial gravitational field), the time T between the separators and the area between the two output arms of the interferometer (which is a function of the component of the axis rotation Ox). Thus, the configuration according to the invention is insensitive to the acceleration components along the axes Oy and Oz and is sensitive only to the single component Q of the axis rotation Ox perpendicular to both the Oz axis of emission of atoms and to the axis Oy of action of the coherent manipulation.

  The separators can be generated in different ways: one or two photon optical transitions, slit diffraction gratings, etc. However, the simplest way, taking into account the experience acquired in this way through the known configurations , consists in using optical transitions generated using laser beams that generate separators of the Raman transitions type.

  Thus, in a preferred embodiment, in order to coherently handle the bursts of slow atoms, 4 + 2 min (with m = 2 or 3 and n 0) are emitted. The pairs of laser beams are opposite and locally substantially perpendicular to the trajectory. atoms (laser beams parallel to the axis Oy) to cause with them successive interactions and, in this case, the separators created by these interactions are stimulated Raman transitions.

  In a specific and simple embodiment which is currently preferred, 4 (n = 0) pairs of laser beams are used as illustrated in FIG. 3A in which the pairs of laser beams facing each other are shown schematically by arrows F1 to f4.

  In this case, the phase shift of the atomic waves 20 between the two output arms of the interferometer is written.

  = 3/32 keff.F.T3.S2x Given the identity of the action points of the laser beams on the up path and on the downward path of the atoms, it is possible to envisage a simplification of the implementation of the method according to the invention by grouping, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the pairs of laser beams fi and f4 that are suitable for creating the first and fourth Raman transitions (interactions 7f / 2) and grouping the pairs of laser beams f2 and f3 to create the second and third Raman transitions (n interactions).

  In addition, it is advantageous to synchronize the emission of the slow atom packets so that a packet of emitted atoms moving in the opposite direction of the continuous acceleration t 'and a packet of atoms recalled by the acceleration and moving in the direction of the continuous acceleration F intersect exactly opposite a pair of laser beams. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, it is then possible to use only one pair of laser beams F1 simultaneously providing the functions of the two pairs of laser beams fi and f4 that are suitable for creating the first and fourth Raman transitions (n / 2 interactions). and a single pair of laser beams f12 simultaneously providing the functions of the two pairs of laser beams f2 and f3 suitable for creating the second and third Raman transitions (7t interactions).

  However, it is possible, at the cost of greater complexity of the means employed, to choose m = 3 and n = 1, that is to say to involve 10 successive interactions, namely. an initial n / 2 interaction followed immediately by an interaction i; after a time T, three interactions ir; after a time 2T, three interactions 71; finally after a time T, an interaction n, immediately followed by an interaction n / 2. The plane projection, in the case of a developed trajectory comparable to that illustrated in FIG. 2B, is shown in FIG. 4.

  Similarly, it is conceivable to choose m = 2 and n = 1, that is to say to involve 8 successive interactions, namely an initial n / 2 interaction followed immediately by an it interaction; after a time T, two interactions n; after a time 6T (increased time because the trajectories are less convergent), two 1.7 interactions 7C; finally after a time T, an interaction it followed immediately by an interaction t / 2. The plane projection, in the case of a developed trajectory comparable to that illustrated in FIG. 2B, is shown in FIG.

  Thanks to the arrangements according to the invention which have just been exposed, it is able to measure the Ox axis rotation component without the influence of accelerations and with a very high sensitivity, while implementing a simplified material not appealing. only one source (or ball) of slow atoms and two pairs of laser beams associated with means of synchronization of the emission of slow atoms of atoms.

  With regard to the constitution of the equipment to be used in the apparatus according to the invention (source or ball of slow atom emission, laser beam generator, detector of the phase shift of the atomic waves, ...) any technical solution known to those skilled in the art can be used.

Claims (12)

  1. A method for measuring inertial quantities by atomic interferometry, consisting in: - emitting (in 1) slow atoms of atoms in a ballistic trajectory (tr) in a vacuum space, coherently manipulating the atoms in several locations of their trajectory, the manipulations or separators being successively at least: É a first separator (interaction nn / 2) capable of causing a spatial separation of the atoms into two atomic wave packets respectively following two divergent paths, E at least one other separator ( interaction it) to generate a mirror effect to bring the two packets of atomic waves towards each other respectively according to two convergent paths, and É a final separator (interaction nt / 2) to interfere with the two packets of atomic waves and direct them to two respective outputs, - and detect (in 2) the states of the atoms resulting from the interference, characterized in that: - in the presence of a continuous acceleration field (r), the slow atom bursts are emitted from a single source (1) substantially in the direction of the continuous acceleration (F) and against this, so that the emitted atoms fall, under the action of this continuous acceleration, substantially in their direction of emission and in the opposite direction, and - one handles in a coherent manner the atoms in 4 + 2 mn (with m = 2 or 3 and n 0) successive locations of their trajectory, the manipulations or separators being successively at least: É the aforesaid first separator (interaction n / 2) able to separate the atoms into two atomic wave packets according respectively to two diverging paths (tri, tr2), E at least one second separator capable of causing a first mirror effect (interaction ic) and rendering the two paths (tri ', tr2') first convergent, then divergent, at least a third separator of its own to provoke a second mirror effect (interaction 7t) and to converge the two paths (tri ", tr2"), and E the aforesaid last separator (interaction n / 2) able to interfere with the two atomic wave packets and to directing towards the two aforesaid respective outputs, the duration between the two central separators being an integer multiple of the duration (T) between respectively two extreme separators, thanks to which the detected variation of the state of the atoms is representative of a rotation Ox axis axis perpendicular to both the Oz atom emission axis and the Oy action axis of the coherent manipulation.   2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that, to coherently handle the bursts of slow atoms, 4 + 2 min (with m = 2 or 3 and n 0) pairs of opposed laser beams and locally substantially perpendicular to the trajectory of the atoms to cause successive interactions with them and in that the separators created by these interactions are stimulated Raman transitions.   3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that groups together the laser beam pairs suitable for creating the first and fourth Raman transitions and in that the pairs of laser beams suitable for creating the second and third Raman transitions are grouped together. .   4. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the pairs of laser beams (f1-f4) are 4 (n = 0).   5. Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the transmission of the slow atom packets is synchronized so that a packet of emitted atoms moving contrary to the continuous acceleration and a packet of atoms recalled by the acceleration and moving in the direction of the continuous acceleration intersect exactly opposite a pair of laser beams and in that a single pair of laser beams (wire) simultaneously functions of the two pairs of laser beams to create the first and fourth Raman transitions (interactions n) and a single pair of laser beams (f12) simultaneously providing the functions of the two pairs of laser beams to create the second and third transitions Raman interactions 7t).   6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the continuous acceleration field (F) is a gravitational field.   7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the continuous acceleration field is the terrestrial gravitational field (g). 8. Apparatus for measuring inertial quantities by atomic interferometry for the implementation of the method according to one of the following: any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: - at least one source (1) for the emission of slow atoms of atoms in a vacuum space emitting flashes of slow atoms on at least one ballistic trajectory; coherent manipulation of the atoms in several locations of their trajectory, the manipulations or separators being successively at least: E a first separator (n / 2 interaction) for causing a spatial separation of the atoms into two atomic wave packets respectively following two divergent paths , É at least one other separator (interaction n) capable of generating a mirror effect and bringing the two atomic wave packets back to one another respectively according to two convergent paths, and E a final separator (n / 2 interaction) capable of causing the two atomic wave packets to interfere and to direct them towards two respective outputs, and detection means (2) sensitive to the state of the atoms resulting from the interference, characterized in that, since the apparatus is located in a continuous acceleration field (F), the source (1) of emission of slow atom bursts is unique and arranged so that the slow atom bursts are emitted substantially in the direction of the continuous acceleration and contrary to it, so that the emitted atoms fall, under the action of this continuous acceleration, substantially in their direction of emission and in the opposite direction; and the means of coherent manipulation of the atoms act in 4 + 2 min (with m = 2 or 3 and n 0) successive locations of said trajectory of the atoms, the successive manipulations or separators being successively at least: E the aforesaid first separator (n / 2 interaction) for separating the two atomic wave packets respectively according to two diverging paths, É at least one second separator (interaction ît) capable of causing a first mirror effect and rendering the two paths (tri ', tr2 ') first convergent, then divergent, É at least one third separator (interaction n) capable of provoking a second mirror effect and of rendering convergent the two paths (tri ", tr2"), and É the aforesaid last separator (interaction n / 2) capable of causing the two atomic wave packets to interfere and to direct them towards the two aforesaid respective outputs, the duration between the two central separators being an integer multiple of the duration (T) e being respectively two extreme separators, and - the detection means (2) are suitable for detecting the variation of the state of the atoms which is representative of an axis rotation Ox perpendicular to both the emission axis Oz atoms and Oy axis of action means of consistent handling of atoms.   9. Measuring apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the means of coherent handling of the atoms are emission means of 4 + 2 min (with m = 2 or 3 and n 0) pairs of opposed laser beams and locally substantially perpendicular to the path of the atoms to cause successive interactions therewith, and in that the separators created by these interactions are stimulated Raman transitions.   10. Measuring apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises four (n = 0) pairs of laser beams (f1-f4). he. Measuring apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the pairs of laser beams (fi, f4) suitable for creating the first and fourth Raman transitions (n / 2 interactions) are. grouped together and that the pairs of laser beams (f2, f3) suitable for creating the second and third Raman transitions (it interactions) are grouped together.   12. Measuring apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises means for synchronizing the emission of: atomic wave puffs so that an emitted pulse of atomic waves moving against the background of continuous acceleration (F) and that a burst of atomic waves recalled by the acceleration and moving in the direction of the continuous acceleration (F) intersect exactly opposite a pair of laser beams and in that it comprises a single pair of laser beams (wire) simultaneously providing the functions of the two pairs of laser beams (f1, f4) suitable for creating the first and fourth Raman transitions (n / 2 interactions) and a single pair of laser beams (f12 ) simultaneously providing the functions of the two pairs of laser beams (f2, f3) suitable for creating the second and third Raman transitions (n interactions).   13. Measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the continuous acceleration field (r) is a gravitational field.   14. Measuring apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the continuous acceleration field is the terrestrial gravitational field (g).