Rugged Atomic Timekeeper

ColdQuanta (CQ) seeks to develop, prototype, test, and operationally demonstrate a precise timing reference system for defense and commercial platforms in GPS-denied environments. Named the Rugged Atomic Timekeeper (RAT), our approach leverages laser cooling to improve upon chip-scale atomic clock (CSAC) systems, addressing fundamental limitations of CSACs for the GPS-denied operational environment. We will engineer these technologies into a single, easily installable package with SWaP suitable for deployment into air and ground platforms and interfaced via a common frequency reference output. This effort will deliver the RAT’s critical clock control module and provide a path for space qualification of the module. The RAT will also serve as a field deployable alternative for civilian applications that currently rely on GPS for timekeeping, such as communication networks, transportation systems, power grid control, and the financial sector.