Compact Atomic Source for Quantum Sensors

KOAQS

As part of the KOAQS - Compact Atomic Source for Quantum Sensors project, the demonstrator of a compact and robust atomic source of ultra-cold, neutral atoms is being realized as a turnkey component for quantum technology applications. The atomic source to be developed is oriented towards the increasing need for less complex, easy-to-integrate and low-maintenance source systems, as they are required for numerous quantum technological applications in science and (increasingly) in industry.

In the frame of the Quantum Revolution 2.0, atomic quantum sensors are developed from basic research to concrete applications. Atom interferometers for instance serve as a basis for a wide range of high-precision sensors in the fields of geodesy (e.g. gravimeter) or navigation (e.g. inertial sensors). As part of the ongoing commercialization of quantum sensors, reliable and simple operation and the standardization of individual components are playing an increasingly important role beyond research.

The main goal of the KOAQS project is to demonstrate a compact setup for generating a laser-cooled alkali atom beam using rubidium and potassium as a simple and generally applicable source system for atom-optical quantum sensors. The KOAQS project aims to develop an atom source as a stand-alone solution with a high atom flux of 1010 laser-cooled atoms per second for a simple integration into a target system. The advantage of this source is that similar, but more complex variants are already being used worldwide in many in-house developments and can be replaced by a commercial module without any adjustments. The main goal of the project is the development of such a modular, two-dimensional magneto-optical trap (2D-MOT), which will be significantly simplified compared to the existing solutions in science and industry. This includes the operation with a single, fiber-based laser connection, with a newly developed, compact and reliable atom furnace, easy adaptation for different atomic species and an operation without complex adjustments by an expert.

The project is embedded in the regional future cluster QVLS-iLabs and is being implemented together with the project members VACOM and Leibniz University Hanover. The central strategic goal of QVLS-iLabs is to strengthen the industry in quantum technology through innovative cooperation in regional Integration Labs (iLabs) with public-private partnerships as a blueprint. The main scientific-technical goal is the integration, miniaturization and scaling of quantum technologies, which allows the development of user-friendly, robust and industrial-grade components and devices.

Project participants

  • German Aerospace Center, Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing (Hannover)
  • VACOM Vakuum Komponenten & Messtechnik GmbH (Großlöbichau)
  • Leibniz University Hannover, Institute for Quantum Optics (Hannover)

Funded by

Departments

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Kontakt

apl. Prof. Carsten Klempt

Commissary Head Optical Frequency Metrology
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing
Optical Frequency Metrology
Callinstrasse 30b, 30167 Hannover
Germany