COOL ? Compact Optical clOck Laser
Programme
GSTP
Programme Reference
GT27-017MM
Prime Contractor
MicroR Systems
Start Date
End Date
Status
Closed
Country
Switzerland
Objectives
The primary objective of this activity is to deliver a breadboard combining a narrow-band laser diode gain element with a linewidth narrowing element to provide the required linewidth for the targeted applications. The combination of these two sets of expertise provides a value added output that can, subsequently, be used to satisfy the primary goal of this activity at 689nm. It will also produce the desired performance in a SWAP format that better meets the goals of a commercial and space environment by step wise evolution of the system design.
Description
Optical atomic clocks are based on using lasers to measure very narrow and stable atomic transitions. Narrow refers to the fact that only a limited range of optical frequencies can be used to excite/measure the transition in the atom. ;For the target space based optical clock, this requires the laser frequency to be controlled to approximately one part in a trillion.
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This activity links to a previous development, executed by the prime of the proposed activity, on the semiconductor laser at 689nm which was completed in 2017. The spectral performance at the conclusion of that activity was not perfectly in line with the desired values. Problems of reliability and lifetime (material issues) were solved preventing the subsequent linewidth narrowing plans to be fully implemented.
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The proposed project aims to combine a technique to enable linewidth reduction (phase noise reduction) in a hybrid format (laser diode-passive integrated ring optic optical micro-resonator) to achieve the final desired performance of 1 kHz linewidth at 689nm. ='times>
The activity includes the following major tasks:
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- Microresonator Stabilization ? the microresonator and the coupling technology will be developed in order to enable the laser to access the optical microresonator.
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- Coupling Waveguide Fabrication ? Optical waveguides will be fabricated that can be used to couple the laser light to the optical microresonator
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- Laser Fabrication ?The existing proprietary discrete mode laser technology will be extended to the wavelength of 689 nm. This will provide a compact and low noise laser for the project
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;;;;;;- Laser testing ? The manufactured lasers will be tested and feedback will be provided in order to refine the manufacturing processes. ;
Application Domain
Generic Technologies
Technology Domain
17 - Optoelectronics
Competence Domain
1-EEE Components, Photonics, MEMS
Initial TRL
TRL 3
Target TRL
TRL 4
Public Document