Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Laser and Particle Beams

Laser-pumped and laser-cooled atomic clocks for space applications

Walter F. Buell

Published Dec 1, 1998• 9 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Highly stable atomic frequency standards are of increasing importance for a variety of space applications, ranging from communication to navigation and time transfer to tests of fundamental science. We present a discussion of the improvements possible with laser pumping of vapor cell clocks, including applying coherent population trapping (CPT) techniques. We also present our progress toward a cold atom clock based on magneto-optically trapped atoms for space applications.

DOI
10.1017/s0263034600011447

Related papers

Compact, Continuous-Beam, Cold-Atom Clock for Satellite Applications

H. Wang, Walter F. Buell

Highly stable atomic frequency standards are of increasing importance for a variety of space applications, ranging from communication to navigation and time transfer to tests of fundamental science. The requirements for an atomic clock vary significantly depending on the application, and for many space systems, compactness and robust design are at a premium, and stability dominates over absolute accuracy. We report on progress with our design for a compact laser-cooled Cs- beam atomic clock suitable for satellite applications such as GPS. The basic design features a continuous, cold atomic beam extracted from a magneto-optic trap (MOT). This cold atomic beam is then to be used in a laser-pumped Ramsey clock, with the clock signal derived from either a microwave C-field or, alternatively, by Raman resonance between the Ramsey fields. In order to reduce light shifts from the MOT light and improve signal-to-noise, the atomic beam will be optically deflected and transversely cooled upon extraction from the MOT. We estimate that the shot-noise-limited stability achievable with this physics package can be 2 to 3 orders of magnitude better than current Cs-beam clocks used in satellite applications. We present our experimental progress towards a working frequency standard, including characterization of our six-beam magneto-optic cold atom trap and production and characterization of a cold atomic beam.

•Jun 30, 2002•1 citation

An atomic clock with Cs atoms for space applications

Sumanta Khan, Vineet Bharti, Vasant Natarajan A

We demonstrate the development of an atomic clock using a diode laser and a vapor cell of Cs atoms. We use the technique of coherent population trapping (CPT). The required phase coherence between the probe and control beams, whose frequency difference is the clock frequency, is obtained by frequency modulating the laser with an electro-optic modulator (EOM). The EOM is fiber coupled and hence does not require alignment, which is advantageous for space applications. The atoms are contained in a vapor cell, which is again useful in satellite launches.

•Oct 30, 2017•0 citations

Laser optical pumping in Rb vapour-cell atomic clocks (Invited Paper)

G. Mileti, C. Affolderbach

We discuss the basic physical principles of laser optical pumping double-resonance spectroscopy, which form the basis of state-of-the-art vapour-cell atomic frequency standards using laser optical pumping of Rb atoms. The main effects limiting the frequency stability of Rb vapour-cell atomic clocks are identified, and their impact on the development of high-performance frequency standars and their transfer from research laboratories to industry and space is discussed. As examples, the impact of the AC stark effect and the realated issue of laser frequency stabilisation are dealt with in more detail. The main features of the present state-of-the-art Rb atomic frequency standards will be illustrated using the example of the development of atomic clocks for satellite navigation and positioning systems (GPS, GLONAS, GALILEO, etc.) as well as some directions for further improvements that could overcome present day limitations. Such compact Rb clocks find their applications in, for example, telecommunications, local timekeeping and synchronisation, and space applications like satellite navigation and science missions. An overview of other, alternative clock schemes is given and critical issues for future developments towards further performance improvement or device miniaturisation in the field of vapour-cell atomic clocks are discussed.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Apr 22, 2005•0 citations

Compact clocks for industrial applications: The EMRP project IND 55 MClocks

Salvatore Micalizio, Filippo Levi, A. Godone +18 more

Vapor cell atomic clocks are an interesting technology because they combine compactness, low power consumption and excellent relative frequency stability. Recently, due to better performing laser sources and innovative techniques to prepare and detect the atoms, several cell-based prototypes exhibiting unprecedented frequency stability have been developed. These techniques allow a reduction in the transfer of laser noise to the atoms, improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio and subsequently the clock's frequency stability. The project IND55 Mclocks funded by the European Metrological Research Programme (EMRP) proposes to develop high performances vapor cell clocks for industrial applications. Three technologies are investigated: 1) the pulsed optical pumping (POP) scheme; 2) the cold atoms approach, and 3) the Coherent Population Trapping (CPT). The results related to the first period of activity are presented.

Joint Conference of the European Frequency and Time Forum and IEEE International Frequency Control Symposium (EFTF/IFCS)•Apr 1, 2015•0 citations

Gas-cell atomic clocks for space: new results and alternative schemes

C. Affolderbach, Evelina Breschi, C. Schori +1 more

We present our development activities on compact Rubidium gas-cell atomic frequency standards, for use in space-borne and ground-based applications. We experimentally demonstrate a high-performance laser optically-pumped Rb clock for space applications such as telecommunications, science missions, and satellite navigation systems (e.g. GALILEO). Using a stabilised laser source and optimized gas cells, we reach clock stabilities as low as 1.5·10-12 τ-1/2 up to 103 s and 4·10-14 at 104 s. The results demonstrate the feasibility of a laser-pumped Rb clock reaching < 1·10-12 τ-1/2 in a compact device (<2 liters, 2 kg, 20 W), given optimization of the implemented techniques. A second activity concerns more radically miniaturized gas-cell clocks, aiming for low power consumption and a total volume around 1 cm3 , at the expense of relaxed frequency stability. Here miniaturized “chip-scale” vapour cells and use of coherent laser interrogation techniques are at the heart of the investigations.

International Conference on Space Optics (ICSO)•Nov 21, 2017•2 citations

Development of a Compact Cold-Atom Atomic Clock Based on Coherent Population Trapping

E. Blanshan

Field-grade atomic clocks capable of primary standard performance in compact physics packages would be of significant value in a variety of applications ranging from network synchronization and secure communications to GPS hold-over and inertial navigation. A cold-atom coherent population trapping (CACPT) clock featuring laser-cooled 87RB atoms and pulsed Ramsey interrogation is a strong candidate for this technology if the principal frequency shifts can be controlled and the performance degradation associated with miniaturization can be overcome. In this thesis, research focused on the development of this type of compact atomic clock is presented. To address the low atom numbers obtained in small cold-atom sources, experiments were performed in which an atomic beam was decelerated with bichromatic stimulated laser forces and loaded into a mm-scale magneto-optical trap, increasing the atom number by a factor of 12.5x. A CACPT clock using the high-contrast lin||lin optical interrogation technique was developed and achieved a stability of 7 × 10-13 after one hour of integration. Doppler shifts in the clock are explained using a simple kinematic model and canceled by interrogating the atoms with a counter-propagating CPT configuration. Finally, a thorough characterization of the AC-stark effect in lin||lin CPT was performed. Observed shifts are explained in terms of contributions from coherent CPT-generating couplings and population transfer effects caused by optical pumping from incoherent light. Measurements are compared with existing and new theoretical treatments, and a laser configuration is identified that reduces clock drift from light shifts to less than 10-14 for the current system.

•Jan 1, 2014•2 citations
Highly stable atomic frequency standards are of increasing importance for a variety of space applications, ranging from communication to navigation and time transfer to tests of fundamental science. We present a discussion of the improvements possible with laser pumping of vapor cell clocks, including applying coherent population trapping (CPT) techniques. We also present our progress toward a cold atom clock based on magneto-optically trapped atoms for space applications.
Highly stable atomic frequency standards are of increasing importance for a variety of space applications, ranging from communication to navigation and time transfer to tests of fundamental science. The requirements for an atomic clock vary significantly depending on the application, and for many space systems, compactness and robust design are at a premium, and stability dominates over absolute accuracy. We report on progress with our design for a compact laser-cooled Cs- beam atomic clock suitable for satellite applications such as GPS. The basic design features a continuous, cold atomic beam extracted from a magneto-optic trap (MOT). This cold atomic beam is then to be used in a laser-pumped Ramsey clock, with the clock signal derived from either a microwave C-field or, alternatively, by Raman resonance between the Ramsey fields. In order to reduce light shifts from the MOT light and improve signal-to-noise, the atomic beam will be optically deflected and transversely cooled upon extraction from the MOT. We estimate that the shot-noise-limited stability achievable with this physics package can be 2 to 3 orders of magnitude better than current Cs-beam clocks used in satellite applications. We present our experimental progress towards a working frequency standard, including characterization of our six-beam magneto-optic cold atom trap and production and characterization of a cold atomic beam.
We demonstrate the development of an atomic clock using a diode laser and a vapor cell of Cs atoms. We use the technique of coherent population trapping (CPT). The required phase coherence between the probe and control beams, whose frequency difference is the clock frequency, is obtained by frequency modulating the laser with an electro-optic modulator (EOM). The EOM is fiber coupled and hence does not require alignment, which is advantageous for space applications. The atoms are contained in a vapor cell, which is again useful in satellite launches.
We discuss the basic physical principles of laser optical pumping double-resonance spectroscopy, which form the basis of state-of-the-art vapour-cell atomic frequency standards using laser optical pumping of Rb atoms. The main effects limiting the frequency stability of Rb vapour-cell atomic clocks are identified, and their impact on the development of high-performance frequency standars and their transfer from research laboratories to industry and space is discussed. As examples, the impact of the AC stark effect and the realated issue of laser frequency stabilisation are dealt with in more detail. The main features of the present state-of-the-art Rb atomic frequency standards will be illustrated using the example of the development of atomic clocks for satellite navigation and positioning systems (GPS, GLONAS, GALILEO, etc.) as well as some directions for further improvements that could overcome present day limitations. Such compact Rb clocks find their applications in, for example, telecommunications, local timekeeping and synchronisation, and space applications like satellite navigation and science missions. An overview of other, alternative clock schemes is given and critical issues for future developments towards further performance improvement or device miniaturisation in the field of vapour-cell atomic clocks are discussed.
Vapor cell atomic clocks are an interesting technology because they combine compactness, low power consumption and excellent relative frequency stability. Recently, due to better performing laser sources and innovative techniques to prepare and detect the atoms, several cell-based prototypes exhibiting unprecedented frequency stability have been developed. These techniques allow a reduction in the transfer of laser noise to the atoms, improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio and subsequently the clock's frequency stability. The project IND55 Mclocks funded by the European Metrological Research Programme (EMRP) proposes to develop high performances vapor cell clocks for industrial applications. Three technologies are investigated: 1) the pulsed optical pumping (POP) scheme; 2) the cold atoms approach, and 3) the Coherent Population Trapping (CPT). The results related to the first period of activity are presented.
We present our development activities on compact Rubidium gas-cell atomic frequency standards, for use in space-borne and ground-based applications. We experimentally demonstrate a high-performance laser optically-pumped Rb clock for space applications such as telecommunications, science missions, and satellite navigation systems (e.g. GALILEO). Using a stabilised laser source and optimized gas cells, we reach clock stabilities as low as 1.5·10-12 τ-1/2 up to 103 s and 4·10-14 at 104 s. The results demonstrate the feasibility of a laser-pumped Rb clock reaching < 1·10-12 τ-1/2 in a compact device (<2 liters, 2 kg, 20 W), given optimization of the implemented techniques. A second activity concerns more radically miniaturized gas-cell clocks, aiming for low power consumption and a total volume around 1 cm3 , at the expense of relaxed frequency stability. Here miniaturized “chip-scale” vapour cells and use of coherent laser interrogation techniques are at the heart of the investigations.
Field-grade atomic clocks capable of primary standard performance in compact physics packages would be of significant value in a variety of applications ranging from network synchronization and secure communications to GPS hold-over and inertial navigation. A cold-atom coherent population trapping (CACPT) clock featuring laser-cooled 87RB atoms and pulsed Ramsey interrogation is a strong candidate for this technology if the principal frequency shifts can be controlled and the performance degradation associated with miniaturization can be overcome. In this thesis, research focused on the development of this type of compact atomic clock is presented. To address the low atom numbers obtained in small cold-atom sources, experiments were performed in which an atomic beam was decelerated with bichromatic stimulated laser forces and loaded into a mm-scale magneto-optical trap, increasing the atom number by a factor of 12.5x. A CACPT clock using the high-contrast lin||lin optical interrogation technique was developed and achieved a stability of 7 × 10-13 after one hour of integration. Doppler shifts in the clock are explained using a simple kinematic model and canceled by interrogating the atoms with a counter-propagating CPT configuration. Finally, a thorough characterization of the AC-stark effect in lin||lin CPT was performed. Observed shifts are explained in terms of contributions from coherent CPT-generating couplings and population transfer effects caused by optical pumping from incoherent light. Measurements are compared with existing and new theoretical treatments, and a laser configuration is identified that reduces clock drift from light shifts to less than 10-14 for the current system.