A prototype industrial laser system for cold atom inertial sensing in space

TL;DR

This paper details the development and testing of an industrial laser system prototype designed for cold atom inertial sensing in space, demonstrating its readiness for space applications with adaptable optical architecture.

Contribution

It introduces a novel industrial laser system prototype based on telecom laser frequency doubling, tailored for space-based cold atom sensors, and validates its functionality at TRL 4.

Findings

Achieved TRL 4 validation in a controlled environment.

Demonstrated adaptability of the optical architecture for various space missions.

Successfully integrated the laser system with a ground-based atomic sensor.

Abstract

We present the design, realization, characterization and testing of an industrial prototype of a laser system, which is based on frequency doubling of telecom lasers and features all key functionalities to drive a cold atom space gradiometer based on the architecture proposed in [Trimeche et al, 2019]. Testing was performed by implementing the laser system onto a ground based atomic sensor currently under development. The system reaches a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4, corresponding to an operational validation in a controlled environment. The optical architecture of the system can be adapted to other space mission scenarios.