Abstract:Atom-interferometer inertial technology has been recognized as an important development direction for next-generation inertial technology in recent years owing to its ultra-high sensitivity and precision, and it is now at a critical stage of moving from laboratory environments toward engineering applications. While airborne experiments involving atomic interference inertial measurement units (IMUs) have been successfully conducted abroad, domestic research remains largely at the stage of proof-of-concept prototyping, lagging notably in miniaturization efforts. Addressing the demands of operational environments, this article focuses on the compact design and implementation of a beam-type atomic interferometer. We developed the first domestic miniaturized beam-type atomic interferometer specifically designed for rotation rate measurement. By optimizing the structural design of the atomic oven and vacuum chamber, and by reducing the footprint of the optical components, we successfully compressed the length of the sensor head from over 1 m in conventional designs to 0.6 m. Utilizing this apparatus, we achieved the detection of atomic interference signals and the extraction of interference phases, subsequently verifying the gyroscopic effect to confirm the device′s capability for rotation rate measurement. Calibration against a conventional gyroscope yielded a scale factor of 5.45×107 LSB/(°/s), exhibiting a deviation of merely 5.3% from the theoretical value of 5.16×107 LSB/(°/s). Performance testing revealed an angle random walk (ARW) of 5.5×10-3°/h, a measurement range of approximately (-640°/h, 640°/h), and a data output rate of 190 Hz. The proposed scheme offers distinct advantages, including a compact structure, reduced sensor volume, and high data rates. This work lays the technological groundwork for developing miniaturized atom-interferometer IMUs with atomic beams suitable for engineering applications. Future efforts based on this architecture will involve constructing dual-beam counter-propagating interferometers to achieve closed-loop decoupled outputs for both acceleration and rotation rate, thereby enhancing dynamic performance while extending the measurement range.