A compact and robust diode laser system for atom interferometry on a sounding rocket

TL;DR

This paper describes a compact, robust diode laser system designed for atom interferometry experiments on sounding rockets, demonstrating successful qualification and operation in space-like conditions for quantum sensing applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, space-qualified diode laser system combining micro-integrated DFB modules and free-space optics for atom interferometry in microgravity environments.

Findings

Passed all qualification tests for sounding rocket deployment

Successfully operated on TEXUS 51 mission with stable frequency stabilization

Produced Bose-Einstein condensates and performed atom interferometry in space conditions

Abstract

We present a diode laser system optimized for laser cooling and atom interferometry with ultra-cold rubidium atoms aboard sounding rockets as an important milestone towards space-borne quantum sensors. Design, assembly and qualification of the system, combing micro-integrated distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser modules and free space optical bench technology is presented in the context of the MAIUS (Matter-wave Interferometry in Microgravity) mission. This laser system, with a volume of 21 liters and total mass of 27 kg, passed all qualification tests for operation on sounding rockets and is currently used in the integrated MAIUS flight system producing Bose-Einstein condensates and performing atom interferometry based on Bragg diffraction. The MAIUS payload is being prepared for launch in fall 2016. We further report on a reference laser system, comprising a rubidium stabilized DFB laser, which was operated successfully on the TEXUS 51 mission in April 2015. The system demonstrated a high level of technological maturity by remaining frequency stabilized throughout the mission including the rocket's boost phase.