PAssively STabilised Laser (PASTEL)

基于冷原子的量子技术由于该平台的多功能性而具有巨大的潜力。冷原子可用于各种高性能传感器，包括光学时钟、惯性传感器、重力仪和磁力计，仅举几例。它们依赖于稳定的激光器，对其光频率有严格的要求。最近，这些量子传感器开始在恶劣和动态的空间环境中使用，在这种环境中，固有的稳定性、可靠性、尺寸、重量和低功耗是决定任务成功的关键，甚至比地面应用更重要。在PASTEL项目中，我们建议开发和测试一种全新的激光架构，该架构将改进上述任何竞争激光技术的所有关键性能参数。这种新型激光器将被动地稳定在激光器本身的一个原子参考上。我们的创新方法消除了对外部频率参考和有源反馈电子设备的需求。这一发展减少了激光模块和相关电子设备的尺寸和重量，降低了功耗，同时也提高了稳定性和可靠性，因为激光不会失去对参考的锁定。我们将利用成熟、高效的780nm二极管激光技术、业界领先的小型化和封装能力，以及紧凑、稳定的定制电子产品。目的是有一个面包板系统，证明该方案的操作，并为未来的紧凑型设备的发展提供基础。

Cold atom-based quantum technologies have great potential because of the versatility of this platform. Cold atoms can be used in a variety of high-performance sensors, including optical clocks, inertial sensors, gravimeters, and magnetometers just to name a few. They rely on stable lasers with stringent requirements on their optical frequency. Recently, these quantum sensors began to be used in the harsh and dynamic environment of space, where inherent stability, reliability, size, weight and low power consumption are critical in determining the success of a mission, even more so than in terrestrial applications. In the PASTEL project we propose to develop and test a completely novel laser architecture that will improve on all the critical performance parameters indicated above over any competing laser technology. This new laser will be passively stabilised to an atomic reference within the laser itself. Our innovative approach eliminates the need for external frequency references and active feedback electronics. This development reduces the size and weight of both the laser module and associated electronics and lowers power consumption, while also improving stability and reliability since the laser cannot lose lock to a reference. We will exploit mature, power-efficient 780 nm diode laser technology, industry-leading miniaturisation and packaging capability, and compact, stable bespoke electronics. The aim is to have a breadboard system that proves the operation of the scheme and provides the basis for a future compact device development.