All-semiconductor-based systems for atom interferometry experiments in space

Abstract

Quantum atomic sensors based on atom interferometry (AI) have recently led to the development of new techniques for the measurement of inertial forces, finding important applications in both fundamental physics and applied research. As these types of sensors have begun to mature, they have received increasing interest for deployment in the field and even in space. There has been significant effort in the past in reducing the size and complexity of the system for applications in size, weight, and power (SWaP) challenging environments such as space. Here, we report on a design and assembly of a low-SWaP all-semiconductor-based laser and optical system (LOS) suitable for operating an AI system for potential space applications.