Miniaturized Lab System for Future Cold Atom Experiments in Microgravity
S. Kulas1, C. Vogt1, A. Resch1, J. Hartwig2, S. Ganske2, J. Matthias2, D. Schlippert2, T. Wendrich2, W. Ertmer2, E.M. Rasel2, M. Damjanic5, P. Weßels5, A. Kohfeldt4, E. Luvsandamdin4, M. Schiemangk3,4, C. Grzeschik3, M. Krutzik3, A. Wicht3,4, A. Peters3,4, S. Herrmann1, C. Lämmerzahl1
Published in:
Microgravity Sci. Technol., vol. 29, no. 1-2, pp. 37-48 (2017).
Abstract:
We present the technical realization of a compact system for performing experiments with cold 87Rb and 39K atoms in microgravity in the future. The whole system fits into a capsule to be used in the drop tower Bremen. One of the advantages of a microgravity environment is long time evolution of atomic clouds which yields higher sensitivities in atom interferometer measurements. We give a full description of the system containing an experimental chamber with ultra-high vacuum conditions, miniaturized laser systems, a high-power thulium-doped fiber laser, the electronics and the power management. In a two-stage magneto-optical trap atoms should be cooled to the low µK regime. The thulium-doped fiber laser will create an optical dipole trap which will allow further cooling to sub-µK temperatures. The presented system fulfills the demanding requirements on size and power management for cold atom experiments on a microgravity platform, especially with respect to the use of an optical dipole trap. A first test in microgravity, including the creation of a cold Rb ensemble, shows the functionality of the system.
1 ZARM, Universität Bremen, Am Fallturm, D-28359 Bremen, Germany
2 Institut für Quantenoptik and Centre for Quantum Engineering and Space-Time Research (QUEST), Leibniz Universität Hannover, Welfengarten 1, D-30167 Hannover, Germany
3 Institut für Physik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Newtonstraße 15, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
4 Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik, Gustav-Kirchhoff-Straße 4, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
5 Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., Hollerithallee 8, D-30419 Hannover, Germany
Keywords:
Atom interferometry, Microgravity, Equivalence principle, Fundamental physics.
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