Atomic beam quantum sensor on a chip

The miniaturization of high flux, cold alkali atom sources is key to bringing quantum sensors into space applications, as outlined in Science Mission Directorate topic S16.08. This is particularly true for novel areas such as atom-interferometry based precision gravimetry and inertial sensing that are in many ways two sides of the same coin. Achieving these goals requires fundamental innovations that can reduce sensor SWaP (Size, Weight and Power). Currently atom source size is a severe bottleneck due to a fundamental size/flux tradeoff. Existing, mature technologies available for cold atom production still rely on bulky 2D MOTs for which centimeter scale dimensions are usually required. This funding will be used to design and simulate the performance of a chip-scale gyroscope relevant to these applications that uses miniature slow atomic beams. This will disrupt the current paradigm of hand-assembled sensors by deploying semiconductor batch fabrication in all areas of the cold atom sensor architecture that can lower the sensor cost and bring these innovations to everyday use in the growing space markets for government and private customers.
Benefits: According to the solicitation topic, NASA is interested in advancing quantum sensing technologies for space science missions that will rely on the quantum properties of atomic sensors. This technology development will help mature these systems toward space qualification. Our product falls into the area of space-based positioning, navigation and timing (PN&T) that is a key driver of this growth. Therefore, we see immense market potential for improving the manufacturability and lowering the cost of quantum sensors that aid with PN&T in space, particularly in GPS-denied environments. In addition to NASA’s SMD, we believe our product will also be a good fit for space vehicle controls, including in the private sector that can help drive up the TRL and enable deployability. Therefore, we plan to seek out potential customers among the major players within this space, including companies such as SpaceX, Astrobotic Technology, Blue Origin, iSpace, and Northrop Grumman Corporation to learn their needs in the inertial sensing space.