Cold Atom Laser Module (CALM)

Atom-optical inertial sensors and atomic clocks have demonstrated superior performance owing to the intrinsic stability of atomic systems. Central to making cold-atom sensors practical is their ability to reliably operate for extended periods without user intervention. The current generation of laser diodes, which are at the heart of atomic sensors, suffer from power degradation and mode hops on timescales incompatible with long-term deployment. Because these properties are inherent to the diodes, it is prudent to circumvent these problems with diagnostic protocols aimed at early detection and action, enabling a wavelength-agnostic technique to deliver reliable, long-lived laser sources at wavelengths relevant to atomic sensors. Development of the CALM laser module, in tandem with validation of its components under ionizing radiation, will result in a ruggedized and reliable laser source capable of autonomously driving an atom-based sensor within the space environment. Such an effort would enable space-based applications for atomic sensors such as IMUs, clocks, and magnetometers, opening up significant market opportunities in the defense and commercial sectors. At the conclusion of the program, AOSense will deliver a space-compatible laser system with a 10 year lifetime capable of operating a single-axis atomic inertial sensor or clock. Our Phase II-E effort will adapt the CALM Phase II design to 852 nm for integration in NASA’s Atom Interferometer Gravity Gradiometer (AIGG).

● Atom Interferometer Gravity Gradiometers (AIGGs) ● Optical atomic clocks ● Deep space navigation w/o GPS ● Deep space data links ● LIDAR ● Gravitational wave detection with single baseline interferometers

● Secure data routing ● High resolution coherent radar ● Extended mission duration in GPS-denied environments ● Improved GPS system integrity ● Quantum computing

This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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