Cs Atom Interferometer Laser

Quantum sensing takes advantage of the quantum mechanical nature of matters (e.g., atoms and ions) to boost the sensitivity of various sensors critical in NASA and other government/commercial applications. A stable, high-power, narrow-linewidth laser source is essential in multiple atom-based quantum sensing. In atom-based sensing, high-power laser beams can generally increase the number of atoms, enhancing a metrology systems signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Although the principle of operation for atom interferometry (AI) applies identically for any atomic species, certain atomic species could be better suited for specific applications. However, although cesium is one of the most commonly used species in cold atom experiments performed in laboratory environments, field-deployable light-pulse atom interferometry with cesium is not often available in low SWaP (size, weight, and power) packaging due to the lack of a compact laser subsystem supporting the atom interferometry operation. To address the need, Opto-Atomics Corp. (OAC) proposes to continue the development of a Cs Atom Interferometry Laser (CSAIL) that can be adopted in NASAs space-borne atom-interferometers with cesium in inertial navigation and other applications. The proposed development addresses NASAs call (S13.05) for a laser subsystem enabling Raman-based light-pulse atom interferometer with Cs. In Phase I, OAC built a prototype and evaluated its performance. We also investigated the size, weight, and power (SWaP) metrics of CSAIL. Based on these studies, the basic feasibility of the technology has been successfully demonstrated. In Phase II, we will construct an integrated brassboard prototype and demonstrate the full feasibility of the technology. Optical laser fields at or near atomic transitions are required to exploit the quantum-mechanical nature of atoms and ions fully. For example, cooling, trapping, detection, and motion manipulation of Cs atoms can be achieved using multi-frequency-line laser beams around 852 nm (within a ~10 GHz range). However, although individual diode lasers can be combined to constitute a light source for Cs-based quantum sensing, this approach does not offer a field-deployable solution. Therefore, an all-in-one Cs laser system platform offering laser beams needed to generate and manipulate cold Cs atom systems is highly desirable to implement a high-performance fieldable quantum sensor (e.g., atom interferometer for inertial navigation or gravity sensing). Objective 1. Establishment of final technical requirements and exit criteria. Objective 2. Design of an integrated CSAIL prototype. Objective 3. Assembly of CSAIL prototype. Objective 4. Performance evaluation and feasibility demonstration. Objective 5. Definition of the CSAIL commercial markets and preliminary market validation. -  Proposed Deliverables: OAC’s main Phase II deliverables will consist of (1) experimental and simulation-based research, (2) data and performance analysis, and (3) a functional CSAIL prototype with a basic user interface and a user manual at the end of Phase II. Technical reports and other reports required by the contract will also be submitted in a timely manner.  

With the development of various enabling technologies, significant performance leaps can be achieved to meet NASA’s needs in inertial sensing, gravity sensing, timekeeping, magnetic field sensing, and RF/microwave sensing. CSAIL can be readily adopted in Cs-based atom interferometers for inertial navigation and planetary geodesy applications of NASA. CSAIL can also be modified to provide the D2 transition beam for various atom-based sensing platforms such as Rydberg atom-based RF/microwave sensors or magnetometers. Atom-based sensing has many potential applications for the military and other governmental sectors. CSAIL will significantly expedite the field deployment of these quantum devices with Cs by providing a robust, versatile light source that can be used in various quantum metrology/communication applications. All atom-based sensing techniques using Cs can benefit from SWaP reduction offered by CSAIL.

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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