Space-certified Nonlinear Optics for Rugged Quantum Lasers (SNORQL)

Quantum technology systems are currently held back by the lack of qualified, commercial off the shelf sub-systems and components to translate new ideas and system designs (for gravitometers, optical clocks etc) quickly into reality. In most cases the underlying enabling technology needs to be developed which adds risk to these projects.In this project the consortium partners have identified a need by industry and large research organisations for a key enabling component for Rubidium based quantum technology systems (Traps/Clocks etc). We will develop a novel high power, high efficiency frequency doubler unit for converting 1560nm to 780nm for use with Rubidium Atom Traps. High power (\>1W) systems are not commercially available, nor academically available with high efficiencies. However these components are required for enabling novel quantum sensors. The consortium will focus on developing a novel high efficiency nonlinear crystal capable of converting 1560nm to 780nm in a commercially viable package for integration by end-users in Space and Ground based quantum technologies. This will enable the exploitation of innovative, but commercially viable, quantum technologies to benefit wider society.