Institute of Physics | Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin & Ferdinand-Braun-Institut gGmbH | Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik
Title: Towards integrated quantum sensors aboard nano-satellites
Abstract: Space-based quantum sensors using laser cooled atoms promise enhanced performance for practical applications in navigation and earth observation. Over the last decades, the miniaturization of key technologies has led to a reduction in size from laboratory filling demonstrators to portable sensors of less than a cubic meter. To make the transition to practical, rugged devices that can be deployed on nano-satellites, the technical infrastructure (including vacuum systems, optics, and lasers) need to be further miniaturized. Here, our group explores the feasibility of micro-integration on the system level and, as a first stepping stone, discuss a centiliter optical frequency reference for cold atom sensors aboard nano-satellites.