Atomic-Photonic Integration (A-PhI)
Abstract
The Atomic-Photonic Integration (A-PhI) program is reducing the size, weight, and power of atomic clocks and gyroscopes for position, navigation, and timing (PNT) applications through the development of integrated photonics. Specifically, A-PhI will demonstrate that a compact photonic integrated chip can replace the optical assembly for trapped atomic gyroscopes and clocks without degrading the performance of the device. PNT is a critical resource for all DoD missions such as communications, navigation, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. While PNT needs usually are met by using the global positioning system (GPS), GPS signals are vulnerable to disruption and a fallback from GPS is essential. In the absence of GPS, tactical-grade clocks and tactical/navigation grade inertial measurement units (IMUs) currently can provide GPS-like accuracy only for the short term, and longer-term GPS independent strategies are highly desirable. A-PhI will enable long-term GPS independence and enable better-than-GPS PNT accuracy for short durations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2024
- Source ID
- 376b8efd1d959ba646e1dd96a747e453