Compound Semiconductor Optical Sources for Atomic Sensors

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Aim: Develop optical sources required for alkali-vapour based chip-scale atomic sensors, including clocks and magnetometers.Precise measurement of time is fundamental to the effective functioning of services such as transport links, communications, financial transactions, security and reliable energy. Currently, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) provide the timing signal for these critical infrastructure services, but is vulnerable to disruption. There is a need for wide-spread miniaturised atomic clocks to provide a timing reference in the event of an outage.Magnetic field measurements, to pico-Tesla precision is required for applications in geophysical mapping, underwater ordinance detection and monitoring electrical pulses generated within the human body. Current magnetometer are bulky and dissipate substantial power in operation. Compound semiconductor (CS) light sources could reduce this power consumption significantly, whilst reducing the size and weight.Next generation chip-scale atomic sensors, using an effect know as coherent-population-trapping, require a reliable optical source with specific characteristics. Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) are currently being considered which are compact and energy efficient. Here is an opportunity to take part in a wide-reaching activity, developing novel ways to ensure that target specifications of CS optical sources can be achieved.