Optical Clock and Time Transfer Link in Space (OCTTLS)

The use of ultra-precise clocks in space will allow for a range of new applications in the fields of fundamental physics, geophysics, and astronomy. This activity to develop the technology to place a high-performance optical clock in space and to develop a time and frequency link consistent with optical clock performance is motivated by recent research laboratory advances in optical frequency standards and clocks, which now have stability and accuracy reaching beyond one part per 10¹⁸. Such a high-precision measurement tool in space create exciting new scientific opportunities in space as well as applications benefiting society and national security. The optical clock project is a natural extension of an on-going ESA project called Atomic Reference Clock in Space (ACES), slated to launch to the ISS next year. An optical clock would provide an improvement in performance of at least one to two orders of magnitude compared to ACES. Clock subsystems and technologies that need to be matured include:

• Optical lattice clock physics package
• Optical frequency comb to link optical frequencies to microwave frequencies
• Highly-stabilized laser as clock laser
• Optical time and frequency link for comparisons to reference clocks situated in Earth laboratories.

Initial studies of key technologies for an optical clock system have been completed recently by NASA/JPL. These included development and demonstration in the laboratory of an Ytterbium optical lattice clock and of a chip based optical frequency comb. These activities were performed at the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) in Boulder Colorado. Substantial funding from NIST and DoD were contributed to these activities. Recognizing the scientific discovery potential and technology values, NASA/JPL has formed a Science Definition Team to determine critical requirements and objectives for this optical clock in space and implementation recommendations.

The use of ultra-precise optical clocks in space (“master clocks”) will allow for a range of new applications in the fields of fundamental physics (tests of Einstein's theory of General Relativity, time and frequency metrology by means of the comparison of distant terrestrial clocks), geophysics (mapping of the gravitational potential of Earth), and astrophysics and astronomy (providing local oscillators for radio ranging and interferometry in space, dark matter ultra-light field detection), as well as establishing space-based primary standards and global time and frequency references.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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