Atomic-Photonic Integration (A-PhI)
Abstract
The Atomic-Photonic Integration (A-PhI) program is reducing the complexity of atomic clocks and gyroscopes by using integrated photonics for position, navigation, and timing (PNT) applications. 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 are usually met by using the global positioning system (GPS), GPS signals are vulnerable to a variety of disruption modalities and a fallback from GPS is essential. Currently, in the absence of GPS, tactical grade clocks and tactical/navigation grade Inertial Measurement Units can provide GPS-like accuracy for the short term. However, longer-term GPS independent strategies are still desirable. A-PhI will enable long-term GPS independence and enable PNT accuracy better than GPS for short durations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2021
- Source ID
- a9f8b5ea768af30af93ac6b3ca565d5c