Mainz 2017 – scientific programme

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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 53: Poster: Quantum Optics and Photonics III

Q 53.76: Poster

Thursday, March 9, 2017, 17:00–19:00, P OG2

Autonomously operating laser systems for quantum sensors in space - from sounding rockets to small satellites — •Aline Dinkelaker¹, Max Schiemangk¹, Vladimir Schkolnik¹, Andrew Kenyon¹, Markus Krutzik¹, Achim Peters^1,2, and The KALEXUS MAIUS and LASUS Teams^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7} — ¹Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin — ²FBH Berlin — ³JGU Mainz — ⁴LU Hannover — ⁵U Bremen — ⁶U Hamburg — ⁷Menlo Systems GmbH

Laser systems are key technology for fundamental and applied physics experiments on space platforms - from quantum optical communication to tests of general relativity with quantum sensors. Such laser systems have to fulfill demanding requirements on frequency stability and output power, while being compact and rugged in order to operate reliably after launch into space. As interaction from ground will be limited, automated experiment control is desired. To demonstrate their functionality in space, we have flight-proven different laser system for atomic physics experiments on sounding rockets: the KALEXUS and LASUS experiments are technology demonstrators for frequency stabilized micro-integrated extended cavity diode lasers (ECDLs) at rubidium and potassium wavelengths. We now aim to test laser systems on small satellites where radiation effects, UHV compatibility and long term stability can be studied. We present results of our sounding rocket missions with an outlook on future laser system experiments on small satellites. This work is supported by the German Space Agency DLR with funds provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) under grant numbers 50WM1237/1345/1132 .