Laser Source for Atomic Gravity Wave Detector

Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)

Description

The Atom Interferometry (AI) Technology for Gravity Wave Measurements demonstrates new matter wave Interferometric sensor technology for precise detection and measurement of primordial gravity waves and space geodesy. Develop an Atom Interferometry-based gravity wave detector (vs Optical Interferometry). Characterize a high power laser and monitoring the frequency and the Fourier transform. Use Goddard Space Flight Center Mission Design Lab to study a single flyer with boom and developed cost estimate. Also funded a study at Stanford on Large Momentum Beam Splitters applications for Detection of Gravity Waves using Atom Interferometry.

Benefits

The Atom Interferometry Technology will enable detection of Gravity Waves using Atom Interferometry sensors. Applicable for a gravity gradient mission, gravity wave missions, and sun normal mode measurements. It allows for extremely hard to do measurements of phase of Gravity Wave for astrophysics and gravity gradient for Geodesy. It greatly reduces mission cost by allowing single, smaller spacecraft for same science.

Details

Program	Center Innovation Fund: GSFC CIF (GSFC CIF)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2011-10-01
End date	2012-09-01

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Babak N Saif — babak.n.saif@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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