Cold-Atom Microsystems (CAMS)
Abstract
Precision measurements based on atomic physics principles are the underlying technology of the most accurate measurement devices in the world, including practical devices such as atomic clocks and inertial sensors, as well as laboratory tests of fundamental physics. The field of atomic physics was revolutionized in the 1980's with the development of the technique of laser cooling of atoms. Utilizing precisely tuned lasers with high spectral purity (narrow linewidth), atoms may be cooled down to nearly absolute zero temperature. So-called cold atoms are of great practical value to DoD position, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems, for two reasons. First, because the atoms are nearly unmoving, it is possible to make relatively long-duration measurements of their internal state, with minimal collisions between atoms or between atoms and the walls of the containing vessel. This has led to the development of high-performance laboratory-based cold-atom fountain clocks, such as the U.S. national time standard, NIST-F1, and the rubidium fountains that underpin the U. S. Naval Observatory master clock. Secondly, taking advantage of the relatively slow velocities of cold atoms, atomic interferometers have been demonstrated, which provide the highest precision measurements of rotation and acceleration. Under the DARPA micro-PNT program, miniature high-performance cold atom-based atomic clocks, gyroscopes, and accelerometers are being developed and have demonstrated superior performance in relatively low size, weight, and power (SWaP). The Cold-Atom Microsystems (CAMS) program will develop enabling component technologies to support the practical deployment of cold-atom based microsystems, including low-SWaP atomic clocks, gyroscopes, and accelerometers. Technologies under investigation include high-efficiency narrow-linewidth laser sources, high-efficiency optical modulators, miniature high-isolation optical switches, compact low-loss optical isolators, miniature systems for laser frequency locking and agile frequency control, miniature ultra-high vacuum chambers and vacuum pumps, and techniques for controlling the vapor pressure of alkali metal atomic species over the DoD operating temperature range.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2015
- Source ID
- bf166fb10988f2d1920f6a7eb36da575
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- Root: ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY