Compact Optical Cavities for Quantum Photonics and Integrated Timing Solutions (COCQPITS)

Vescent Technologies, Inc. (Vescent) proposes to develop a compact, low-power, environmentally robust ultra-narrow linewidth (UNL) laser module, based on a novel cavity architecture demonstrated by the Precision Photonic Synthesis group at NIST (NIST-PPS). Compared to incumbent UNL laser technology based on bulky reference cavities held under high vacuum, this solution will reduce size by ~1/70, weight by ~1/6, and power by ~1/10, and demonstrate a low-risk, rapid-development pathway to future space deployment. The resulting laser module is a critical component in optical atomic clocks and would enable future NASA missions such as FOCOS and MAGIS which seek to put optical lattice clocks in space for gravitational wave detection and searches for new physics. This novel UNL technology is based on a vacuum-bonded, compact optical reference cavity, which operates without the usual high vacuum enclosure of traditional ultra-low expansion cavities and has already been demonstrated through initial prototypes to operate at 2E-14 instability. This effort will integrate a vacuum-less cavity into a rigid mount for a breadboard clock laser demonstration and performance evaluation. Further, we will generate system designs for a complete <5 Hz laser module (including lasers, control electronics, and opto-mechanics), which occupies ~1 L volume, and which will be developed at an optical clock wavelength of interest in Phase II.

The proposed compact, ruggedized, ultranarrow linewidth clock laser module will address NASA’s research topic area S16.08 Atomic Quantum Sensors and Clocks, particularly critical technology gaps related to space-deployed optical atomic clocks for measurements of gravitational waves, time-variations of physical constants, detection of dark matter, etc. This technology is enabling for optical clocks in the PFaST initiative and for the following NASA missions: FOCOOS, MAGIS, DSAC, among others. Non-NASA applications that would benefit from a low-SWaP UNL clock laser include: optical atomic clocks for navigation in GPS-denied environments, optical time and frequency transfer, ultra-low phase noise microwave generation for radar and 5G-and-beyond wireless communications, dual comb and precision spectroscopy, and geodetic sensing for earthquake monitoring and construction projects.

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