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

European Frequency and Time Forum

Utilising diffractive optics towards a compact, cold atom clock

J. P. McGilligan, Rachel Elvin, Paul F. Griffin, Erling Riis, Aidan S. Arnold

Published Apr 1, 2016• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

Laser cooled atomic samples have resulted in profound advances in precision metrology [1], however the technology is typically complex and bulky. In recent publications we described a micro-fabricated optical element, that greatly facilitates miniaturisation of ultra-cold atom technology [2], [3], [4], [5]. Portable devices should be feasible with accuracy vastly exceeding that of equivalent room-temperature technology, with a minimal footprint. These laser cooled samples are ideal for atomic clocks. Here we will discuss the implementation of our micro-fabricated diffractive optics towards building a robust, compact cold atom clock.

DOI
10.1109/eftf.2016.7477809

Related papers

Micro-fabricated components for cold atom sensors

J. P. McGilligan, Kevin Francis Gallacher, Paul F. Griffin +3 more

Laser cooled atoms have proven transformative for precision metrology, playing a pivotal role in state-of-the-art clocks and interferometers and having the potential to provide a step-change in our modern technological capabilities. To successfully explore their full potential, laser cooling platforms must be translated from the laboratory environment and into portable, compact quantum sensors for deployment in practical applications. This transition requires the amalgamation of a wide range of components and expertise if an unambiguously chip-scale cold atom sensor is to be realized. We present recent developments in cold-atom sensor miniaturization, focusing on key components that enable laser cooling on the chip-scale. The design, fabrication, and impact of the components on sensor scalability and performance will be discussed with an outlook to the next generation of chip-scale cold atom devices.

arXiv:2208.00680•Review of Scientific Instruments•Sep 1, 2022•56 citations

A Miniature Cold-Atom Frequency Standard

Vishal Shah, Mark J. Mescher, Rick Stoner +2 more

Atomic sensors employing cold-atom technology enable unprecedented accuracy and resolution for next generation atomic clocks, magnetometers, gravimeters, and gyroscopes. To date, however, the size and complexity of cold atom systems have prevented their deployment in practical applications outside of large research laboratories. Here we demonstrate a low power, palm-top, and fully integrated cold atom system that functions as an atomic clock with a stability of 2 parts in 10^11 at 1s. This work demonstrates the feasibility of developing compact, robust, and portable devices based on laser cooled atoms.

arXiv:1111.5890•Nov 25, 2011•2 citations

Chip-Scale Packages for a Tunable Wavelength Reference and Laser Cooling Platform

S. Dyer, Kevin Francis Gallacher, Ugnė Hawley +6 more

The miniaturization of cold-atom systems brings high accuracy into portable atomic metrology. However, the impact of cold-atom sensors in real-world applications has been limited by the overall laser cooling package. This study amalgamates a chip-scale optics setup with a microfabricated laser cooling system to dramatically reduce device size, weight, and power usage. The authors use an on-chip Zeeman offset lock for laser cooling, and demonstrate improved atom number afforded by new techniques in silicon cell fabrication. The simplicity, scalability, and utility demonstrated in this cold-atom platform will enable exciting opportunities in portable cold-atom clocks and interferometers.

Physical Review Applied•Apr 5, 2023•19 citations

Enabling the mass production of a chip-scale laser cooling platform

Alan Bregazzi, S. Dyer, Paul F. Griffin +4 more

A low-cost, mass-producible laser-cooling platform would have a transformative effect in the burgeoning field of quantum technologies and the wider research of atomic sensors. Recent advancements in the micro-fabrication of diffractive optics and vacuum apparatus have paved the way for a simple, stackable solution to the laser cooling of alkali atoms. In this paper we will highlight our recent investigations into a chip-scale, cold-atom platform, outlining our approach for on-chip wavelength referencing, examining a solution for imaging atoms in a planar stacked device, and finally discussing the limitations to passively pumped vacuum longevity. These results will be discussed in the context of an outlined road-map for the production and commercialisation of chip-scale, cold-atom sensors.

Quantum Technology: Driving Commercialisation of an Enabling Science•Oct 6, 2021•3 citations

Compact laser cooling from the components up

Oliver S. Burrow, Aidan S. Arnold, Paul F. Griffin +1 more

Here we present a cold atom system, small enough to be handheld, and suitable for use in a cold atom sensor. This has been achieved by developing compact and robust components for laser cooling. Notably integrating a centilitre scale vacuum system and diffractive grating magneto-optical trap optics has been a key step in creating this compact cold atom system. The performance of these components is discussed, including the validation of vacuum by using the cold atoms to measure the vacuum pressure. Future improvements are outlined.

Optical and Quantum Sensing and Precision Metrology•Mar 4, 2021•0 citations

Miniaturised optical isolators for laser systems enabling compact optical atomic clocks

Marcel Bursy, Jonas Hamperl, Bassem Arar +11 more

We present the design and functionality of our two distribution modules that form part of a compact and robust optical strontium lattice clock. Our modules rely on our in-house developed ultra-compact optical isolators.

•Jan 1, 2025•0 citations
Laser cooled atomic samples have resulted in profound advances in precision metrology [1], however the technology is typically complex and bulky. In recent publications we described a micro-fabricated optical element, that greatly facilitates miniaturisation of ultra-cold atom technology [2], [3], [4], [5]. Portable devices should be feasible with accuracy vastly exceeding that of equivalent room-temperature technology, with a minimal footprint. These laser cooled samples are ideal for atomic clocks. Here we will discuss the implementation of our micro-fabricated diffractive optics towards building a robust, compact cold atom clock.
Laser cooled atoms have proven transformative for precision metrology, playing a pivotal role in state-of-the-art clocks and interferometers and having the potential to provide a step-change in our modern technological capabilities. To successfully explore their full potential, laser cooling platforms must be translated from the laboratory environment and into portable, compact quantum sensors for deployment in practical applications. This transition requires the amalgamation of a wide range of components and expertise if an unambiguously chip-scale cold atom sensor is to be realized. We present recent developments in cold-atom sensor miniaturization, focusing on key components that enable laser cooling on the chip-scale. The design, fabrication, and impact of the components on sensor scalability and performance will be discussed with an outlook to the next generation of chip-scale cold atom devices.
Atomic sensors employing cold-atom technology enable unprecedented accuracy and resolution for next generation atomic clocks, magnetometers, gravimeters, and gyroscopes. To date, however, the size and complexity of cold atom systems have prevented their deployment in practical applications outside of large research laboratories. Here we demonstrate a low power, palm-top, and fully integrated cold atom system that functions as an atomic clock with a stability of 2 parts in 10^11 at 1s. This work demonstrates the feasibility of developing compact, robust, and portable devices based on laser cooled atoms.
The miniaturization of cold-atom systems brings high accuracy into portable atomic metrology. However, the impact of cold-atom sensors in real-world applications has been limited by the overall laser cooling package. This study amalgamates a chip-scale optics setup with a microfabricated laser cooling system to dramatically reduce device size, weight, and power usage. The authors use an on-chip Zeeman offset lock for laser cooling, and demonstrate improved atom number afforded by new techniques in silicon cell fabrication. The simplicity, scalability, and utility demonstrated in this cold-atom platform will enable exciting opportunities in portable cold-atom clocks and interferometers.
A low-cost, mass-producible laser-cooling platform would have a transformative effect in the burgeoning field of quantum technologies and the wider research of atomic sensors. Recent advancements in the micro-fabrication of diffractive optics and vacuum apparatus have paved the way for a simple, stackable solution to the laser cooling of alkali atoms. In this paper we will highlight our recent investigations into a chip-scale, cold-atom platform, outlining our approach for on-chip wavelength referencing, examining a solution for imaging atoms in a planar stacked device, and finally discussing the limitations to passively pumped vacuum longevity. These results will be discussed in the context of an outlined road-map for the production and commercialisation of chip-scale, cold-atom sensors.
Here we present a cold atom system, small enough to be handheld, and suitable for use in a cold atom sensor. This has been achieved by developing compact and robust components for laser cooling. Notably integrating a centilitre scale vacuum system and diffractive grating magneto-optical trap optics has been a key step in creating this compact cold atom system. The performance of these components is discussed, including the validation of vacuum by using the cold atoms to measure the vacuum pressure. Future improvements are outlined.