A high-performance iodine-based frequency reference for space applications

Abstract

Abstract-We present the development of a compact optical frequency reference with a stability in the 10 −15 domain at longer integration times utilizing Doppler-free spectroscopy based on molecular iodine. With respect to its future application in space, a setup on elegant breadboard (EBB) level was realized and successfully implemented and tested. A frequency stability of 5 · 10 −15 at an integration time of 200 s was verified in a beat measurement with a ULE cavity setup. For ensuring high thermal and mechanical stability, the EBB utilizes a baseplate made of ultra-low CTE glass ceramics. The optical components are fixed to the baseplate using an adhesive bonding technology. In a current activity, a setup on engineering model (EM) level will be realized with increased compactness and stability compared to the EBB setup utilizing a very compact multipass gas cell.