Utilising diffractive optics towards a compact, cold atom clock

Abstract

Abstract-Laser cooled atomic samples have resulted in profound advances in precision metrology [1], however the technology is typically complex and bulky. In recent publications we described a micro-fabricated optical element, that greatly facilitates miniaturisation of ultra-cold atom technology [2], [3], [4], [5]. Portable devices should be feasible with accuracy vastly exceeding that of equivalent room-temperature technology, with a minimal footprint. These laser cooled samples are ideal for atomic clocks. Here we will discuss the implementation of our micro-fabricated diffractive optics towards building a robust, compact cold atom clock.

Raman-Ramsey CPT with a grating magneto-optical trap

“…This can be overcome through the use of cold atoms, which provide long interaction times for better sensitivity. The grating magneto-optical trap (GMOT) is a favourable candidate for a compact cold-atom clock, due to its relative simplicity and potential for further miniaturisation [3]- [5].…”