Results of the first BEC achieved in space published in Nature journal

On January 23, 2017 a Bose-Einstein condensate in space was realized for the first time worldwide. The results of this groundbreaking experiment entitled "Space-borne Bose-Einstein condensation for precision interferometry" were published on 10/18/2018 in the Nature journal. This milestone in quantum optics was made possible, among other things, by micro-integrated laser modules suitable for space applications, which are being developed at FBH [1]. This laser technology for quantum-optical applications in space is continuously being further developed by the Institute. Accordingly, in spring 2018, an iodine-based optical frequency reference was realized in space for the first time [2].

Further reading

[1] A. Wicht, A. Bawamia, M. Krüger, Ch. Kürbis, M. Schiemangk, R. Smol, A. Peters, G. Tränkle, "Narrow linewidth diode laser modules for quantum optical sensor applications in the field and in space," Proc. SPIE 10085, Photonics West, San Francisco, USA, Jan 28 - Feb 02, 100850F (2017).

[2] V. Schkolnik, K. Döringshoff, F.B. Gutsch, M. Oswald, T. Schuldt, C. Braxmaier, M. Lezius, R. Holzwarth, C. Kürbis, A. Bawamia, M. Krutzik and A. Peters, "JOKARUS - design of a compact optical iodine frequency reference for a sounding rocket mission," EPJ Quantum Technology, vol. 4:9, pp. 1-10 (2017).