PAssively STabilised Laser (PASTEL)

由于该平台的多功能性，基于冷原子的量子技术具有巨大的潜力。冷原子可用于各种高性能传感器，包括光学钟、惯性传感器、重力计和磁力计，仅举几例。他们依赖稳定的激光器，对其光学频率有严格的要求。最近，这些量子传感器开始用于恶劣和动态的太空环境中，在太空中，固有的稳定性、可靠性、尺寸、重量和低功耗对决定任务成功与否至关重要，甚至比在地面应用中更是如此。在粉彩项目中，我们建议开发和测试一种全新的激光架构，该架构将比任何竞争对手的激光技术更好地改进上述所有关键性能参数。这种新激光器将被被动地稳定到激光器本身内的原子参考位置。我们的创新方法消除了对外部基准频率和主动反馈电子设备的需求。这一开发减小了激光模块和相关电子设备的尺寸和重量，降低了功耗，同时还提高了稳定性和可靠性，因为激光器不会失去对基准的锁定。我们将利用成熟、高能效的780 nm半导体激光技术、行业领先的小型化和封装能力以及紧凑、稳定的定制电子产品。其目的是拥有一种面包板系统，以证明该方案的操作，并为未来紧凑型设备的开发提供基础。

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.