Tapered Amplifiers for Cold-Atom Optical Systems (TACOS)

AOSense proposes to develop laser amplifier modules for cold-atom optical systems. The device would deliver > 1 W of optical power at 852 nm by fiber when paired with an appropriate narrow-linewidth master laser oscillator. A key feature is the integration of a tapered amplifier with AOSense-proprietary compact, high-transmission optical isolators, yielding a fiber-in, fiber-out package with dimensions of 50 mm x 50 mm x 35 mm or smaller. This amplifier module has broad applicability to atom interferometers and atomic clocks, but it would be particularly useful for high-performance orbital sensors like Atom Interferometer Gravity Gradiometers (AIGGs). Such systems will likely utilize advanced atom-optic laser pulse sequences, which require more laser power to mitigate atom losses and achieve high sensitivity.

• Earth and planetary static and time-variable gravity mapping • Asteroid tomography for rendezvous or planetary defense • Gravitational wave detection and tests of fundamental physics • Gyroscopes and inertial guidance for deep-space navigation • Atomic clocks for GPS and communication • Magnetometers for space vehicles

• Gravity surveys, for example the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) • Oil, gas, and mineral exploration • Inertial navigation to aid GPS or in GPS denied environments • Tomographic restricted material monitoring

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