2016/06/01 by V. Schkolnik, O. Hellmig, A. Wenzlawski +9 · 71 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Advanced Frequency and Time Standards #Atom interferometer #Atomic and Subatomic Physics Research #Cold Atom Physics and Bose-Einstein Condensates #Context (archaeology) #Diode #Interferometry #Laser #Rubidium #Semiconductor laser theory #Sounding rocket #physics.atom-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1007/s00340-016-6490-0
published in Applied Physics B 122(8) (Springer Science+Business Media)
arxiv created 2016/06/01 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex publication_date 2016/07/25 · arxiv updated 2016/08/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
We present a diode laser system optimized for laser cooling and atom interferometry with ultra-cold rubidium atoms aboard sounding rockets as an important milestone towards space-borne quantum sensors. Design, assembly and qualification of the system, combing micro-integrated distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser modules and free space optical bench technology is presented in the context of the MAIUS (Matter-wave Interferometry in Microgravity) mission. This laser system, with a volume of 21 liters and total mass of 27 kg, passed all qualification tests for operation on sounding rockets and is currently used in the integrated MAIUS flight system producing Bose-Einstein condensates and performing atom interferometry based on Bragg diffraction. The MAIUS payload is being prepared for launch in fall 2016. We further report on a reference laser system, comprising a rubidium stabilized DFB laser, which was operated successfully on the TEXUS 51 mission in April 2015. The system demonstrated a high level of technological maturity by remaining frequency stabilized throughout the mission including the rocket's boost phase.