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TRANSCRIPT
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the Challenge of time
Measuring time is a human activity undertaken since the earliest times; today we use atomic clocks and strive for always higher precision levels to be achieved with new quantum technologies, in particular optical ones. The use of atomic clocks in space is a new challenge, which the SOC2 project takes on by developing compact and reliable designs.
The use of ultra-precise optical clocks in space will al-low for a range of new applications covering the fields of fundamental physics, from tests of Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity to time and frequency metrology by means of the comparison of distant terrestrial clocks and the operation of a master clock in space. Also, space based atomic clocks serve geophysics through the map-ping of the gravitational potential of Earth, as well as po-tential applications in astronomy – such as local oscilla-tors for radio ranging and interferometry in space. Undertaking a necessary step towards optical clocks for space, the SOC2 project will develop two “engineering confidence“, ultra-precise transportable lattice optical clock demonstrators having relative frequency instability
< 1×10-15at 1 s integration time and inaccuracy < 5×10-17. This goal performance is about 1 and 2 orders better than today’s best transportable clocks, in inaccuracy and insta-bility, respectively. The devices will be based on trapped neutral Ytterbium and Strontium atoms. One device will be a breadboard. The two systems will be validated in a labo-ratory environment and performance will be established by comparison with laboratory optical clocks and primary frequency standards.
In order to achieve the goals, SOC2 will develop the necessary laser sys-tems - adapted in terms of power, linewidth, frequency stability, long-term reliability, and accuracy.
Novel solutions with reduced space, power and mass requirements will be implemented. Some of the la-ser systems will be developed towards particularly high compactness and robustness levels. Also, the project will val-idate crucial laser components in relevant environments.
Questions & Answers
What do you want to achieve with this project?We want to demonstrate that optical atomic clocks can be built in a com-pact way, thereby opening the way for their future use in space. Our work will build on the experience of a large number of research groups brought together in a synergistic way.
Why is this project important for Europe?It will further consolidate Europe’s leadership in high-performance atomic clocks in space and allow European scientists to perform novel precision experiments in space with future satellite missions.
How does your work benefit European citizens?A benefit for the population at large can only be expected on the long term. Our work will open up a new approach for measuring distances and the gravitational potentials with high precision, which may one day lead to a deeper understanding of our Earth and possibly contribute to climate research. SOC2 will demonstrate transportable optical atomic clocks with
performance significantly beyond microwave clocks.
© SOC2
stephan scHillEris proJect coordinator
SOC2Towards Neutral-atom Space Optical Clocks: Development of high-performance
transportable and breadboard optical clocks and advanced subsystems
European CommissionEnterprise and Industry
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© European Communities, 2011 - Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged
= Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Germany= Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Germany= Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany= Observatoire de Paris, France= Università degli Studi di Firenze, Italy= Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica, Italy= University of Birmingham, United Kingdom= National Physical Laboratory Teddington, United Kingdom= TOPTICA Photonics AG, Germany= Kayser-Threde GmbH, Germany= EADS Astrium Friedrichshafen, Germany= Menlo Systems GmbH, Germany= Kayser Italia Srl, Italy= Université de Neuchâtel, Switzerland= Centre Suisse d’ Electronique et de Microtechnique SA, Switzerland= Ecole Polytechniques Fédérales Lausanne, Switzerland
list of Partners
CoorDinator
heinrich-heine-universität Düsseldorf, germany
ContaCt
Prof. stephan sChillerTel: +49-211-8112317E-mail: [email protected]
ProJeCt information
Towards Neutral-atom Space Optical Clocks: Development of high-performance transportable and breadboard optical clocks and advanced subsystems (SOC2)Contract no: 263500Starting date: 01/03/2011Duration: 48 monthsEU Contribution: € 1.999.331Estimated total cost: € 2.719.635,87
SOC2Towards Neutral-atom Space Optical Clocks: Development of high-performance
transportable and breadboard optical clocks and advanced subsystems