We present the complete characterization of a laser setup for rubidium cooling dedicated to space applications. The experimental setup is realized with commercial off-the-shelf fiber components suitable for space applications. By frequency doubling two fiber laser diodes at 1560 nm, we produce the two optical frequencies at 780 nm required for atomic cooling of 87 Rb. The first laser is locked on saturated absorption signal and long term frequency drift has been canceled using a digital integrator. The optical frequency of the second laser is controlled relatively to the first one by a frequency comparison method. A full characterization of the setup, including frequency stability evaluation and frequency noise measurement has been performed. The optical frequency doubling module has been submitted to environmental tests to verify its compatibility with space applications.

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Optical coatings are known to be highly polarizing at oblique incidence. On the other hand, they cannot reduce the degree of polarization of light. We show how to overcome this difficulty and reach spatial depolarization with significant efficiency. Applications concern space optical systems.

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