ENHANCEMENT OF THE PHASE SPACE DENSITY OF LASER COOLED NEUTRAL STRONTIUM ATOMIC SYSTEMS - EXPRO PLUS

To develop a system enhancement in the cold atom production rate, and reduction of the thermodynamic temperature, of atomic Strontium (Sr), using novel Magneto Optical Trap (MOT) laser cooling techniques and technologies. DescriptionThe availability of an efficient and simplified system to generate a laser cooled Sr sample, in large atom numbers at low temperature, is a key driver and project enabler for both laboratory systems and field deployable systems and those for space deployment. Laser cooled atoms are an essential resource for ultra-high stability Optical Atomic Frequency Standard (OAFS) and specifically for Sr, using the quantum forbiddenelectronic transition at 698nm. These optical systems have demonstrated performance metrics (fractional frequency stability) which are orders of magnitude superior to their laser cooled RF counterparts. This opens up experimental possibilities that cannot be realised with RF systems. An Atom Interferometer, using clouds of laser cooled Sr atoms has also been proposed, and demonstrated, in a laboratory environment. Such an instrument can measure gravitational waves, in a frequency band not possible by LISA or the ground-based systems (LIGO, VIRGO etc).This activity shall serve as a development approach for both of above mentioned applications for future space implementations. This activity encompasses the following tasks: - Analysis of system performance requirements and parameters leading to an OAFS and mater wave interferometry (MWI) implemented with neutral Sr - Theoretical analysis of neutral Sr atomic system and implementation of system modelling tools to explore the implementation possibilities- Develop several viable design options leading to a PDR- Trade off the design options based primarily on flux enhancement and thermodynamic temperature reduction anddesign simplification; leading to CDR - Develop manufacturing, integration and test plan to verify the performance of a breadboardunit - Roadmap the development of the Sr MOT system for specific mission scenariosProcurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restrictedto non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to:http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Small_and_Medium_Sized_Enterprises/Opportunities_for_SMEs/Procurement_policy_on_fair_access_for_SMEs_-_the_C1-C4_Clauses