Dublin City University Successfully Tested Space Atomic Clock Laser

Researchers at Dublin City University (DCU) have successfully tested the laser components included in the next generation atomic clock for space navigation.

This study was conducted in collaboration with business partners in Ireland and Switzerland to study groundbreaking atomic clock technology for satellites and the International Space Station. The project is funded by the European Space Agency.

The DCU team, in collaboration with Eblana Photonics and Enlightra, has demonstrated for the first time a new caliber laser that will enable more efficient and compact implementation of atomic clocks for future satellite missions.

Atomic clocks maintain extremely accurate time by measuring the frequency of atoms.
The space navigation system relies on this ultra precise timing, with an error of only nanoseconds, which may lead to distance and position issues.

The new aperture laser has been successfully demonstrated for the first time at Dublin City University and will operate in an optical atomic clock using strontium atoms.

Compared to previous iterations, this laser is smaller and requires less power, which is crucial for use on satellites.

Professor Liam Barry, Director of the Radio and Optical Communication Laboratory at the School of Electronic Engineering, said: "The development of optical and photonic technologies will be key to addressing many global challenges in fields such as communication, transportation, health, climate, and more.

Professor Barry said, "This project specifically enables us to develop new laser characterization facilities, enabling us to train future scientists and engineers to better understand these important photon technologies.

Source: Laser Network