Cs Atom Interferometer Laser

Quantum sensing takes advantage of the quantum mechanical nature of matters (e.g., atoms and ions) to boost the sensitivity of various sensors critical in NASA and other government/commercial applications. A stable, high-power, narrow-linewidth laser source is essential in multiple atom-based quantum sensing. In atom-based sensing, high-power laser beams can generally increase the number of atoms, enhancing a metrology system#39;s signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Although the principle of operation for atom interferometry (AI) applies identically for any atomic species, certain atomic species could be better suited for specific applications. However, although cesium is one of the most commonly used species in cold atom experiments performed in laboratory environments, field-deployable light-pulse atom interferometry with cesium is not often available in low SWaP (size, weight, and power) packaging due to the lack of a compact laser subsystem supporting the atom interferometry operation. To address the need, Opto-Atomics Corp. (OAC) proposes to continue the development of a Cs Atom Interferometry Laser (CSAIL) that can be adopted in NASA#39;s space-borne atom-interferometers with cesium in inertial navigation and other applications. The proposed development addresses NASA#39;s call (S13.05) for a laser subsystem enabling Raman-based light-pulse atom interferometer with Cs. In Phase I, OAC built a prototype and evaluated its performance. We also investigated the size, weight, and power (SWaP) metrics of CSAIL. Based on these studies, the basic feasibility of the technology has been successfully demonstrated. In Phase II, we will construct an integrated brassboard prototype and demonstrate the full feasibility of the technology.