Utilising diffractive optics towards a compact, cold atom clock

McGilligan, James P. and Elvin, Rachel and Griffin, Paul F. and Riis, Erling and Arnold, Aidan S.; (2016) Utilising diffractive optics towards a compact, cold atom clock. In: European Frequency and Time Forum (EFTF), 2016. IEEE, GBR. ISBN 9781509007202 (https://doi.org/10.1109/EFTF.2016.7477809)

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Abstract

Laser cooled atomic samples have resulted in profound advances in precision metrology [1], however the technology is typically complex and bulky. In recent publications we described a micro-fabricated optical element, that greatly facilitates miniaturisation of ultra-cold atom technology [2], [3], [4], [5]. Portable devices should be feasible with accuracy vastly exceeding that of equivalent room-temperature technology, with a minimal footprint. These laser cooled samples are ideal for atomic clocks. Here we will discuss the implementation of our micro-fabricated diffractive optics towards building a robust, compact cold atom clock.