Optically Coupled Laser and Ultra-cold Particle Beam for Breakthrough In-space Propulsion

Current forms of beamed propulsion, while ideal for deep space missions, suffer from diffraction of the light over long distances thus lowering thrust. Additionally, the energy efficiency of photon momentum transfer is small compared to that of particles with mass. The innovative in-space propulsion concept proposed here utilizes a laser beam coupled with a jet of ultra-cold (µK) atoms to eliminate diffraction and self-guide over vast distances. The optically coupled system gives the benefit of efficient momentum transfer through the atoms traveling at high speed and maintaining beam intensity over millions of kilometers. This new capability enables spacecraft on deep space missions to reach tremendously high velocities, at or above 4% the speed of light in several cases under evaluation. The key parameter of this propulsion method is the ratio of the atomic mass flux to atomic temperature, also known as the brightness. Maximizing the atomic beam brightness enables missions with high velocity and larger payload. In this work, a ground-based, high brightness, laser-cooled atomic source will be developed and characterized using optical diagnostic methods. The beam parameters will be analyzed using laser induced fluorescence (LIF) and absorption spectroscopy. These measurements will provide an estimate of atomic temperature, beam density, and bulk velocity, resulting in the calculated brightness of the atomic source. After characterizing the beam, existing laser-particle coupled simulations can be validated by spatially overlapping a high-intensity tunable laser near 780nm to investigate optical coupling phenomena. The primary benefit of this propulsion system is the increased payload mass capacity and reduced mission time, thus providing the opportunity to explore new destinations, even those as distant as Proxima Centauri.

The primary benefit of this propulsion system is the increased payload mass capacity and reduced mission time, thus providing the opportunity to explore new destinations, even those as distant as Proxima Centauri.

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