Miniature Quantum Gas System based on an Atom Chip with Integrated Optical Micro-Cavity

ABSTRACT: In the proposed work, Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) will team with MIT to develop a chip-based spin-squeezed atomic clock with a fractional frequency stability below the standard quantum limit. This will be accomplished by the development and fabrication of an atom chip that includes an integrated optical micro-cavity for confinement, imaging, and readout of the trapped cold atomic ensemble. The micro-cavity will include a fiber-based light delivery system and have a finesse capable of trapping atoms in the strong confinement regime. The resulting spin squeezing will enable measurements on a Ramsey-type atomic clock operating below the standard quantum limit. In the Phase I program, we will fabricate and characterize the optical micro-cavity and design the atom chip for the clock measurement. In the Phase II program, we will demonstrate a chip-based spin-squeezed atomic clock and measure the clock stability, or Allan deviation, vs. averaging time. BENEFIT: The proposed work will develop an experimental platform that will enable a host of future cold atom sensors: an atom chip with an integrated optical micro-cavity for enhanced light collection and readout. This novel chip trap will serve as an enabling technology for future precision sensors in the fields of geolocation, magnetic and gravity gradient sensing, and timekeeping.