Miniaturized Lab System for Future Cold Atom Experiments in Microgravity

作者：Kulas Sascha^*; Vogt Christian; Resch Andreas; Hartwig Jonas; Ganske Sven; Matthias Jonas; Schlippert Dennis; Wendrich Thijs; Ertmer Wolfgang; Rasel Ernst Maria; Damjanic Marcin; Wessels Peter; Kohfeldt Anja; Luvsandamdin Erdenetsetseg; Schiemangk Max; Grzeschik Christoph; Krutzik Markus; Wicht Andreas; Peters Achim; Herrmann Sven; Lammerzahl Claus

来源：Microgravity Science and Technology, 2017, 29(1-2): 37-48.

DOI：10.1007/s12217-016-9524-7

• Atom interferometry
• Microgravity
• Equivalence principle
• Fundamental physics

We present the technical realization of a compact system for performing experiments with cold Rb-87 and K-39 atoms in microgravity in the future. The whole system fits into a capsule to be used in the drop tower Bremen. One of the advantages of a microgravity environment is long time evolution of atomic clouds which yields higher sensitivities in atom interferometer measurements. We give a full description of the system containing an experimental chamber with ultra-high vacuum conditions, miniaturized laser systems, a high-power thulium-doped fiber laser, the electronics and the power management. In a two-stage magneto-optical trap atoms should be cooled to the low mu K regime. The thulium-doped fiber laser will create an optical dipole trap which will allow further cooling to sub-mu K temperatures. The presented system fulfills the demanding requirements on size and power management for cold atom experiments on a microgravity platform, especially with respect to the use of an optical dipole trap. A first test in microgravity, including the creation of a cold Rb ensemble, shows the functionality of the system.

• 出版日期2017-2