Severe-Environment Cold-Atom Navigation Technologies (SECANT)

ABSTRACT: AOSense proposes to demonstrate a failure-proof optoelectronic module capable of sourcing light to a cold-atom IMU (or other atom-based sensor) within a severe environment. This module will be robust to accelerations, magnetic fields, and radiation representative of that experienced aboard a long-term spacecraft mission. AOSense will test this optical source module under simulated laser failure and unlocking, and will characterize its performance under severe acceleration (5g rms over a frequency range of 20 Hz2000 Hz).In parallel, AOSense will work with the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory to perform proton irradiation tests on critical optoelectronic components necessary for atomic sensor operation. Device performance will be assessed in real time as these components are exposed to atotal ionizing dose (TID) representative of a multi-year space mission. Results will inform component selection for future space-borne atomic sensors.; BENEFIT: Operation of an atom-based sensor in space or strategic environments demands utmost confidence in the laser system. The laser system must have the ability to detect, avoid, and recover from a loss of wavelength lock and/or output power. Currently, no commercially available laser system can provide the narrow-linewidth, high-power optical output over multi-year time scales required by a fieldable CA-IMU. AOSense proposes to address this deficiency by demonstrating a rugged optical source module featuring autonomous laser locking and fail-proof optical output. Development of this laser module, in tandem with validation of its components under ionizing radiation, will result in a ruggedized and reliable laser source capable of autonomously driving an atom-based sensor within the space environment. Such an effort would greatly help to enable space-based applications for atomic sensors such as IMUs, clocks, and magnetometers, opening up significant market opportunities in the defense and commercial sectors.