Integrated atomic quantum technologies in demanding environments: development and qualification of miniaturized optical setups and integration technologies for UHV and space operation

Abstract

Employing quantum sensors in field or in space implies demanding requirements on the used components and integration technologies. Within our work on compact atomic sensors, we develop miniaturized, ultra-stable optical setups for optical cooling and trapping of cold atomic gases on atom chips. Besides challenging demands on alignment precision and thermo-mechanical durability, we specifically address ultra-high vacuum (UHV) compatibility of our adhesive integration technology and the assembled optical components. A prototype of an UHV-compatible, crossed beam optical dipole trap at 1064\xa0nm for application within a cold rubidium atomic quantum sensor currently in development at the Joint Lab Integrated Quantum Sensors at Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik is described. We describe the design and first qualification efforts on adhesive micro-integration technologies. These tests are conducted in application-relevant geometries and material combinations common for micro-integrated optical setups. Adhesive aging will be investigated by thermal cycling and radiation exposure. For vacuum compatibility testing, a versatile UHV testing system for samples up to $$65\\times 65\\,\\text{mm}^2$$65×65mm2 footprint is currently being set up, enabling residual gas analysis, temperature cycling up to $$200\\,^{\\circ }\\text{C}$$200∘C and measurement of total gas rates down to expected $$5\\times 10^{-10}\\,\\text{mbar}\\,\\text{l/s}$$5×10-10mbarl/s at a base pressure of $$10^{-11}\\,\\text{mbar}$$10-11mbar, exceeding the common ASTM E595 test.