ZERODUR® based optical systems for quantum gas experiments in space
M. Mihma, J.P. Marburgera, A. Wenzlawskia, O. Hellmigf, O. Antonb, K. Döringshoffb, M. Krutzikb, A. Petersb, P. Windpassingera, and the MAIUS Teama,b,c,d,e,f
Published in:
Acta Astronaut., vol. 159, pp. 166-169, DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2019.03.060 (2019).
Abstract:
Numerous quantum technologies make use of a microgravity environment e.g. in space. Operating in this extreme environment makes high demands on the experiment and especially the laser system regarding miniaturization and power consumption as well as mechanical and thermal stability. In our systems, optical modules consisting of ZERODUR® based optical benches with free-space optics are combined with fiber components. Suitability of the technology has been demonstrated in the successful sounding rocket missions FOKUS, KALEXUS and MAIUS-1. Here, we report on our toolkit for stable optical benches including mounts, fixed and adjustable mirrors as well as polarization maintaining fiber collimators and couplers made from ZERODUR®. As an example, we present the optical modules for the scientific rocket payload of MAIUS-2, a quantum gas experiment performing dual-species atom interferometry with Bose-Einstein condensates. The modules are used on the one hand to stabilize the laser frequencies and on the other hand to distribute, overlap and switch the laser beams. This includes the overlap and joint fiber coupling of beams at 767 nm and 780 nm in the same polarization state to cool and manipulate atoms of both species simultaneously. Future projects include the development of a platform for experiments with cold atoms onboard the International Space Station. The laser system again involves ZERODUR® based optical benches in conjunction with fiber optical components. The experiment is planned as multi-user facility and currently in the design phase. The next step is to build the training, test and flight hardware.
a Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 7, 55128 Mainz, Germany,
b Department of Physics, Humboldt University of Berlin, Newtonstraße 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany
c Institute of Quantum Optics, University of Hanover, Welfengarten 1, 30167 Hannover, Germany
d Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik, Gustav-Kirchhoff-Str. 4, 12489 Berlin, Germany
e The Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM), University of Bremen, Am Fallturm 2, 28359 Bremen, Germany
f Institute of Laser Physics, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
Keywords:
Microgravity, optical bench, laser system, integrated optics, glass ceramic, ZERODUR®
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