GNSS-grade space atomic frequency standards: Current status and ongoing developments

Batori, Etienne; Almat, Nil; Affolderbach, C.; Mileti, G.

doi:10.1016/j.asr.2020.09.012

Cited by 26 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 70 publications

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“…We point out, however, that the POP clock shares many features with other clocks that already have a space realization. For instance, the POP physics package and electronics are in principle similar to those used in RAFSs or H-masers already used onboard GPS/Galileo satellites (Batori et al 2020, Riley 2019.…”

Section: Issues Related To a Space Implementation Of The Pop Clockmentioning

confidence: 99%

A pulsed-Laser Rb atomic frequency standard for GNSS applications

et al. 2021

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We present the results of 10 years of research related to the development of a Rubidium vapor cell clock based on the principle of pulsed optical pumping (POP). Since in the pulsed approach, the clock operation phases take place at different times, this technique demonstrated to be very effective in curing several issues affecting traditional Rb clocks working in a continuous regime, like light shift, with a consequent improvement of the frequency stability performances. We describe two laboratory prototypes of POP clock, both developed at INRIM. The first one achieved the best results in terms of frequency stability: an Allan deviation of σy(τ) = 1.7 × 10−13 τ−1/2, being τ the averaging time, has been measured. In the prospect of a space application, we show preliminary results obtained with a second more recent prototype based on a loaded cavity-cell arrangement. This clock has a reduced size and exhibited an Allan deviation of σy(τ) = 6 × 10−13 τ−1/2, still a remarkable result for a vapor cell device. In parallel, an ongoing activity performed in collaboration with Leonardo S.p.A. and aimed at developing an engineered space prototype of the POP clock is finally mentioned. Possible issues related to space implementation are also briefly discussed. On the basis of the achieved results, the POP clock represents a promising technology for future GNSSs.

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Section: Issues Related To a Space Implementation Of The Pop Clockmentioning

confidence: 99%

A pulsed-Laser Rb atomic frequency standard for GNSS applications

et al. 2021

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“…For example, the current Galileo system is based on different such references. Optical systems, based on atomic transitions or fixed lengths, promise higher accuracy and precision [623,624].…”

Section: Atom-based Clocksmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Optical clocks, which are atom-based clocks with transition energies at optical frequencies, promise even higher precision. Hence, different concepts of generating a stable frequency reference exist [623,624]. Some optical systems exploit atomic, see for example Ref.…”

Section: Atom-based Clocksmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, huge strides have been made on the sub-components required for atomic interferometry through a recent upgrade of CAL on board the ISS; CAL is the first atom interferometer to operate in space and it is approximately the size of a dishwasher [4]. Other examples include miniaturised cold atom parts and vacuum chambers [67,749], ;the miniaturisation of vapour cells has seen rapid progress thanks to the use of Rubidium cell frequency standards in satellite systems [624]; and additive manufacturing for space missions that are being explored [750].…”

Section: Miniaturisationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Quantum Physics in Space

Belenchia,

Carlesso,

Bayraktar

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Advances in quantum technologies are giving rise to a revolution in the way fundamental physics questions are explored at the empirical level. At the same time, they are the seeds for future disruptive technological applications of quantum physics. Remarkably, a space-based environment may open many new avenues for exploring and employing quantum physics and technologies. Recently, space missions employing quantum technologies for fundamental or applied studies have been proposed and implemented with stunning results.The combination of quantum physics and its space application is the focus of this review: we cover both the fundamental scientific questions that can be tackled with quantum technologies in space and the possible implementation of these technologies for a variety of academic and commercial purposes.

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“…In this paper, we will mainly address classes of lasers, such as distributed-Bragg-reflector (DBR) and distributed-feedback (DFB) lasers, that find application in vapor-cell frequency standards. The latter represent a promising technology for near future ground and space applications [11]- [13]. In these devices, laser frequency noise and RIN may significantly affect the clock signal.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Frequency characterization of diode lasers for vapor-cell clocks applications

Antona¹,

Gozzelino²,

Micalizio³

et al. 2022

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The knowledge of the frequency noise spectrum of a diode laser is of interest in several high resolution experiments. Specifically, in laser-pumped vapor cell clocks, it is well established that the laser frequency noise plays a role in affecting the clock performances. It is then important to characterize the frequency noise of a diode laser, especially since such measurements are rarely found in the literature and hardly ever provided by vendors. In this paper, we describe a technique based on a frequency-to-voltage converter that transforms the laser frequency fluctuations into voltage fluctuations. In this way, it is possible to characterize the laser frequency noise power spectral density in a wide range of Fourier frequencies, as required in cell clock applications.

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GNSS-grade space atomic frequency standards: Current status and ongoing developments

Cited by 26 publications

References 70 publications

A pulsed-Laser Rb atomic frequency standard for GNSS applications

A pulsed-Laser Rb atomic frequency standard for GNSS applications

Quantum Physics in Space

Frequency characterization of diode lasers for vapor-cell clocks applications

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