Hybrid Micro-Integration Technology
Principle
The Joint Lab Quantum Photonic components develops hybrid micro-integration technologies to realize complex active (e.g. laser module) and passive (e.g. spectroscopy module) electro-optical modules. These modules meet stringent requirements for the deployment in the field or in space, which are
- compactness (small form factor) and small mass
- robustness and reliability (e.g. against environmental stress)
- extensive functionality at low system complexity (-> reliability)
- energy-efficiency
- high spectral and power stability
- for applications in space, space-compatibility has to be ensured for integration technologies, components and modules
For example, moving parts or high-outgassing materials cannot be used in hybrid micro-integration approaches.
Assembly technology
- lithographically structured, printed circuit board-like, AlN-ceramic module body for the micro-integration of electrical, electro-optical and optical components
- beam shaping via micro-optical components on the module body
- design and development of special components (e.g. micro-lenses, fiber couplers, optical isolators, micro-thermoelectric coolers, isolated coaxial feedthroughs)
- hermetic housing concept with integrated, HF-compatible, electrical and fiber-based optical feedthroughs
- simultaneous active micro-assembly of several optical components with robots providing ultra-high spatial resolution; parameters like beam pointing, beam profile, output power, and spectral properties are recorded and optimized during alignment and assembly
- implementation of all integration processes with space-compatible technologies, if possible
- development of methods that allow for flexible automation of assembly tasks
Typical features
- micro-integration: robots provide
- spatial resolution of 1 nm
- angular resolution of 1 µrad
- modules:
- integration of active components (e.g. laser diodes) and passive optical components (e.g. phase modulators, wave guides)
- typical wavelength: 630 nm ... 1120 nm directly with GaAs-based laser chips, VIS and UV ranges via non-linear frequency conversion
- typical form factor : up to 130 x 80 x 25 mm³
- typical masses: 50 g ... 750 g depending on model
- resilience to mechanical stress typically according to ESCC Basic Specification Nr. 91 (ESA Evaluation Test Programme For Laser Diodes)
- resilience to thermal cycling according to ESCC Basic Specification Nr. 91 (ESA Evaluation Test Programme For Laser Diodes)
- poster Technology and poster Laser Modules
Applications
Micro-integration of laser systems, of systems for non-linear frequency conversion and of spectroscopy modules
- for precision spectroscopy experiments in space, e.g. for atom interferometry with ultra-cold Rubidium and Potassium quantum gases. [R01,R02, R03, R04, R05, R06, R07]
- for portable optical atomic clocks [R08, R09, R10]
- for satellite-based distance measurements with lasers [R11]
- for coherent communication [R12, R13]
References
- R01 D. Becker et al., Space-borne Bose–Einstein condensation for precision inter-ferometry, Nature 562 (2018), 391-395
- R02 A. N. Dinkelaker et al., Autonomous frequency stabilization of two extended-cavity diode lasers at the potassium wavelength on a sounding rocket, Appl. Opt. 56 (2017), 1388-1396
- R03 M. Lezius et al., Space-borne frequency comb metrology, Optica 3, (2016), 1381-1387
- R04 Th. Schuldt et al., Design of a dual species atom interferometer for space, Exp Astron 39 (2015), 167–206
- R05 D. Aguilera et al., STE-QUEST - Test of the universality of free fall using cold atom interferometry, Class. Quantum Grav. 31, (2014) 115010
- R06 H. Müntinga et al., Interferometry with Bose-Einstein condensates in microgravity, Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, (2013) 093602
- R07 T. Van Zoest et al., Bose-Einstein Condensation in Microgravity, Science 238, (2010), pp. 1540-1543
- R08 A. D. Ludlow et al., Optical atomic clocks, Rev. Mod. Phys. 87, (2015) 637
- R09 K. Bongs et al., Development of a strontium optical lattice clock for the SOC mission on the ISS, C. R. Phys. 16, (2015) 553
- R10 K. Bongs, M. Holynski, and Y. Singh, Ψ in the sky, Nat. Phys. 11, (2015) 615
- R11 B. S. Sheard et al., Intersatellite laser ranging instrument for the GRACE follow-on mission, J. Geod. 86, (2012) 1083
- R12 F. Heine et al., Optical Inter-Satellite Communication Operational, MILCOM (2010), 1583-1587
- R13 S. Seel et al., Alphasat laser terminal commissioning status aiming to demonstrate Geo-Relay for Sentinel SAR and optical sensor data. IGARSS (2014), 100-101