About the Research Program

OPUS-III: Optical clocks under zero gravity III

Quantum sensors, in particular quantum clocks making use of optical transitions in atoms, not only hold an incredible disruptive potential for terrestrial applications, but are also uniquely suited to be applied in aerospace applications. OPUS-III addresses the central challenge of advancing the flight and space readiness of optical clocks, building on its two predecessor projects OPUS and OPUS-II, by developing a flight-ready, integrated optical frequency reference that can be applied in a suborbital mission. The consortium will achieve this by advancing the technology readiness level and robustness of the subsystems for the clock, namely the optical reference system serving as a local oscillator, and the spectroscopy subsystem based on Ramsey-Bordé atom interferometry with thermal Strontium beams, with the individual subsystems providing the necessary short- and long-term stability to serve as an improved alternative over currently used microwave clocks.

In the consortium, Menlo Systems is developing an ultrastable, low-SWaP optical reference system that is transportable and highly robust against environmental fluctuations, which is a central requirement to enable the use of such laser systems, and optical clocks in general, on a rocket, satellite or space station.

We gratefully acknowledge funding by the DLR/BMWK.