Diode Lasers for Space-Based Cold Atom Clocks

ABSTRACT: Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) is a new technology which can be used for developing high performance laser components for cold atom Atomic Frequency Standards(AFS) technology. The narrow linewidth of these devices combined with high modulation bandwidth and large spacing between the longitudinal modes which makes them relatively immune to mode hopping, and their high reliability make them uniquely suited for this application. Air Force requires the diode lasers at 7xx and 8xx wavelengths for the D1 or D2 lines of Cs and Rb. The diodes are required to have a lifetime of>15 years in space. Princeton Optronics proposes an approach to develop such a laser for Air Force in this SBIR using the VCSEL technolgy. In phase I, we would develop the specifications for the laser and design it and do experiments to determine the validity of the approach and in phase II develop the lasers at both wavelengths and test them thoroughly before delivering to Air Force. BENEFIT: In addition to AF, there is requirement for VCSEL devices for atomic clocks for many other military programs. There is need for the high performance diode lasers for atomic clock devices for a new generation of GPS devices which could be sold in very high volume. The total market for VCSELs for atomic clock is developing to be of several millions of dollars per year. Princeton Optronics has strong marketing, sales as well as manufacturing organization to take advantage of the market once the device development is done.