PHARAO laser source flight model: design and performances

In this paper, we describe the design and the main performances of the PHARAO laser source flight model. PHARAO is a laser cooled cesium clock specially designed for operation in space and the laser source is one of the main sub-systems. The flight model presented in this work is the first remote-co...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Review of scientific instruments 2015-03, Vol.86 (3), p.033104-033104
Main Authors: Lévèque, T, Faure, B, Esnault, F X, Delaroche, C, Massonnet, D, Grosjean, O, Buffe, F, Torresi, P, Bomer, T, Pichon, A, Béraud, P, Lelay, J P, Thomin, S, Laurent, Ph
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astrophysics
ATOMS
CESIUM
COMPATIBILITY
DESIGN
ELECTRIC POWER
INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
LASERS
LIMITING VALUES
OPERATION
Physics
Sciences of the Universe
SPACE
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Summary:In this paper, we describe the design and the main performances of the PHARAO laser source flight model. PHARAO is a laser cooled cesium clock specially designed for operation in space and the laser source is one of the main sub-systems. The flight model presented in this work is the first remote-controlled laser system designed for spaceborne cold atom manipulation. The main challenges arise from mechanical compatibility with space constraints, which impose a high level of compactness, a low electric power consumption, a wide range of operating temperature, and a vacuum environment. We describe the main functions of the laser source and give an overview of the main technologies developed for this instrument. We present some results of the qualification process. The characteristics of the laser source flight model, and their impact on the clock performances, have been verified in operational conditions.
ISSN:0034-6748
1089-7623
DOI:10.1063/1.4914025