Objetivo
A range of new applications will be enabled by ultra-precise optical clocks, some of which by using them in space, near or far distant from Earth. They cover the fields of fundamental physics (tests of General Relativity), time and frequency metrology (comparison of distant terrestrial clocks, operation of a master clock in space), geophysics (mapping of the gravitational potential of the Earth), and potential applications in astronomy (local oscillators for radio ranging and interferometry in space).
We propose to (1) develop two “engineering confidence“ ultra-precise transportable lattice optical clock demonstrators with relative frequency instability < 1×10-15/root(tau)1/2, inaccuracy < 5×10-17, one of which as a breadboard. They will be based on trapped neutral Ytterbium and Strontium atoms. Goal performance is about 1 and 2 orders better than today’s best transportable clocks, in inaccuracy and instability, respectively. The two systems will be validated in a laboratory environment (TRL 4) and performance will be established by comparison with laboratory optical clocks and primary frequency standards.
(2) We will develop the necessary laser systems (adapted in terms of power, linewidth, frequency stability, long-term reliability, and accuracy), atomic packages with control of systematic (magnetic fields, black-body radiation, atom number), where novel solutions with reduced space, power and mass requirements will be implemented. Some of the laser systems will be developed towards particularly high compactness and robustness. Also, crucial laser components will be tested at TRL 5 level (validation in relevant environment).
The work will build on the expertise of the proposers with laboratory optical clocks, and the successful development of breadboard and transportable cold Sr and Yb atomic sources and ultrastable lasers during the ELIPS-3 ESA development project “Space Optical Clocks (SOC)”.
Ámbito científico
Not validated
Not validated
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesrelativistic mechanics
- natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryalkaline earth metals
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesquantum physicsquantum optics
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesgeophysics
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticslaser physics
Convocatoria de propuestas
FP7-SPACE-2010-1
Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoria
Régimen de financiación
CP - Collaborative project (generic)Coordinador
40225 Dusseldorf
Alemania
Ver en el mapa
Participantes (16)
La participación finalizó
81379 MUNCHEN
Ver en el mapa
38116 Braunschweig
Ver en el mapa
30167 Hannover
Ver en el mapa
75014 Paris
Ver en el mapa
50121 Florence
Ver en el mapa
10135 Torino
Ver en el mapa
B15 2TT Birmingham
Ver en el mapa
TW11 0LW Middlesex
Ver en el mapa
82166 GRAEFELFING
Ver en el mapa
28359 Bremen
Ver en el mapa
82024 TAUFKIRCHEN
Ver en el mapa
82152 Planegg Martinsried
Ver en el mapa
57128 Livorno
Ver en el mapa
2000 Neuchatel
Ver en el mapa
2000 Neuchatel
Ver en el mapa
1015 Lausanne
Ver en el mapa