A Dual-Species Atom Interferometer Payload for Operation on Sounding Rockets

TL;DR

This paper details the design and construction of a dual-species atom interferometer payload for sounding rockets, enabling future space-based matter wave experiments with Bose-Einstein condensates of potassium and rubidium.

Contribution

It introduces a modular, robust payload capable of performing atom interferometry in space, with automated operation and resilience to vibrational and static loads.

Findings

Payload withstands vibrational loads of 1.8 g RMS

Designed for two consecutive rocket missions

Includes automated experiment control software

Abstract

We report on the design and the construction of a sounding rocket payload capable of performing atom interferometry with Bose-Einstein condensates of $^{41}$K and $^{87}$Rb. The apparatus is designed to be launched in two consecutive missions with a VSB-30 sounding rocket and is qualified to withstand the expected vibrational loads of 1.8 g root-mean-square in a frequency range between 20 - 2000 Hz and the expected static loads during ascent and re-entry of 25 g. We present a modular design of the scientific payload comprising a physics package, a laser system, an electronics system and a battery module. A dedicated on-board software provides a largely automated process of predefined experiments. To operate the payload safely in laboratory and flight mode, a thermal control system and ground support equipment has been implemented and will be presented. The payload presented here represents a cornerstone for future applications of matter wave interferometry with ultracold atoms on satellites.