Low SWaP UHV chamber for atom interferometer

The development and maturation towards space applications of atomic systems are needed to meet NASAs interest in advancing quantum sensing technologies. Atom interferometers have unmatched precision for in-situ measurements of local gravity acceleration. The Size, Weight, and Power consumption (SWaP) of existing atom interferometers is a major obstacle for employing them in NASA missions. One of the main components of an atom interferometer is an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) system. UHV systems are typically the heaviest components of atom interferometers. A light, compact, and energy-efficient UHV system will be highly beneficial for NASA missions. Q-Peak is addressing the need for lighter, compact, energy-efficient UHV systems suitable for an atom interferometer. Within a successful Phase I program, Q-Peak experimentally proved the suitability of the Aluminum alloy (AlSi10Mg) as housing material for the UHV chamber. Aluminum alloy (AlSi10Mg) housing is capable of maintaining residual gas pressure well below 510-10 Torr. The AlSi10Mg alloy is 30% lighter than stainless steel. Q-Peak proposes to build a complete UHV chamber suitable for atom interferometry out of the AlSi10Mg alloy. The ability to machine AlSi10Mg using a 3D printing process removes the constraint of traditional manufacturing considerations that can further decrease the SWaP of the UHV system. Special attention will be devoted to the development of an energy-efficient and reliable alkali-atom source. Space exploration can greatly benefit from compact, light, ruggedized, and energy-efficient atom interferometers. Such interferometers are superior in terms of precision compared to currently used ones. Atom interferometers can be employed for navigation and in-situ measurements of local gravity acceleration. One of the main components of an atom interferometer is an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chamber, which is typically the heaviest component of atom interferometers.   Q-Peak addresses the need for lighter, compact, energy-efficient UHV systems suitable for atom interferometers. The primary innovation lies in utilizing Aluminum alloy as a chamber housing material. AlSi10Mg is 70% lighter than conventional stainless steel and it can be machine using an additive manufacturing (AM) process. AM is ideal for the production of custom parts and complex geometries, because it enables mass reduction and enhanced stability via latticing, elimination of extraneous material, and part consolidation. Q-Peak will develop energy-efficient sources of atom vapor of interest suitable for a UHV system. The overarching goal is to develop and construct a light, energy-efficient UHV system suitable for atom interferometry. The primary objective is to produce the UHV chamber based on AlSi10Mg alloy via additive manufacturing (AM) process. Further objectives are To develop a process of bonding of viewports to Aluminum alloy chambers compatible with the requirements of UHV. To develop an energy efficient source of atomic vapor compatible with UHV. To reduce role of active pumping by employing NEG pumps and by preventing permeation of noble gasses into UHV chamber. As a results of these efforts, a prototype of a complete, functional UHV system suitable for atom interferometry will be produced.  This is a main deliverable at the end of the contract.

Keeping track of the actual spacecraft position is a key part of navigation for any spacecraft. Accurate in situ gravimetry based on atom interferometry can be used for satellite-based global gravity field mapping. Atom interferometry is a potential technology to gather the type of data currently produced by NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On mission. Europa Clipper can use an atom interferometer for determining the most likely locations to gain access to subsurface material. Stable and precise accelerometers and gyroscopes are required for navigation and can be used for ships and planes. They are especially advantageous in situations when a GPS signal is absent and high accuracy is required. Such devices are of great value to the US Navy.

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