Atom chips for quantum sensing with cold thermal atoms

We discuss the possibility of building a matter wave interferometer using thermal (i.e. non condensed) cold atoms trapped in the vicinity of an atom chip for quantum sensing of acceleration and gravity fields with reduced mean-field effects. To maintain a satisfactory level of coherence, a high degree of symmetry is required between the two arms of such an interferometer. We discuss this point quantitatively, and describe the experimental protocol we are developing for this purpose, based on internal state labeling and on the use of two parallel coplanar waveguides deposited on top of the atom chip to selectively address the potential of each internal state through microwave dressing. We also report our recent experimental work demonstrating the possibility of achieving a magneto-optical trap with some of the beams passing through the chip.