MCLAREN: Miniaturised Cold Atom Gravimeter for Space Applications
Lead Research Organisation:
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Department Name: RAL Space
Abstract
The project aims to develop a compact cold atom gravimeter and identify routes to development of a space deployable system. Space based high precision gravimetry as offered by cold atom approaches is an emerging key enabling technology for a range of markets dependent on Earth Observation. Furthermore gravimetry has a broad number of terrestrial applications from underground surveying to locating oil and mineral deposits. Although the levels of precision of cold atom gravimetry have been demonstrated, in comparison to current gravimeters the most prominent drawback is the systems size weight and power (SWaP) characteristics. SWaP requirements are seen as the key roadblock in the wider adoption of cold atom gravimeters, despite having a multitude of advantages over existing solutions. This project brings together routes to miniaturised, compact and space deployable subsystems to yield a compact cold atom gravimeter demonstrator. In 2016 flooding caused £1.6bn of damage, and accurate flood prediction could have avoided some of these costs and associated stress of losing homes. Accurate location of underground infrastructure could reduce traffic congestion that costs the UK £4.6bn per year.
Planned Impact
MCLAREN will significantly raise the technology readyness level (TRL) of all the subsystems involved in a Cold Atom gravimeter and many of the essential subsitems of Quantum Sensors and Optical Atomic Clocks.
This increase in TRL will impact in several ways:
- Contribute to the development of future Space instruments based on optical interrogation of atoms. Examples: Space
Optical Clocks, Space Atom interferometers for gravity missions or fundamental science (eg STE-QUEST)
- Contribute to the development of ground based quantum devices that would have an impact in the industries of Civil
Engineering(sallow ground surveying), Mineral Prospection, and Secure Communications to name a few.
- In the longer term it might have impact on space industry through the develpment of ultraprecise inertial sensors that
would contribute to space craft attitude monitoring and control
This increase in TRL will impact in several ways:
- Contribute to the development of future Space instruments based on optical interrogation of atoms. Examples: Space
Optical Clocks, Space Atom interferometers for gravity missions or fundamental science (eg STE-QUEST)
- Contribute to the development of ground based quantum devices that would have an impact in the industries of Civil
Engineering(sallow ground surveying), Mineral Prospection, and Secure Communications to name a few.
- In the longer term it might have impact on space industry through the develpment of ultraprecise inertial sensors that
would contribute to space craft attitude monitoring and control
| Description | The main objective for the MClaren project is to develop a compact cold atom gravimeter and identify routes to a develop a space deployable system. The award allowed RAL Space to contribute to this project through the development of space-ready electronics for key gravimeter subsystems. RAL Space achieved this by developing an electronics package that consisted of 6 key modules: • Spectroscopy Lock • Offset Lock • RF Generator and AOM drive • Laser Drive • Magnetic Coil drive • Timing Module Each module was designed from scratch and a prototype of each was manufactured, assembled and tested. These were then integrated into a standard PXIe chassis with a common PCIe interface that is used to configure the modules and control the experiment. Through the project we were able to demonstrate the key functionality of each of the boards. The next steps would be to further re-iterate the designs towards a space-compatible system and look at exploitation opportunities for the technology developed in this project. |
| Exploitation Route | The subsystems developed could be used in many physics research lab to control their experiments. We will also investigate the possibility of licensing the findings for external companies to commercialise the devices developed within the project as products that could be used in field deployable quantum sensors. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Electronics,Other |
| Description | CEOI 13th Call for EO Technology and Instrument Development (CASPA Accelerometer) |
| Amount | £747,118 (GBP) |
| Organisation | UK Space Agency |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2020 |
| End | 03/2023 |
| Title | McLaren Electronics |
| Description | RAL Space have adopted a modular approach in their design of the electronics system for both technical and commercial purposes. The system involves the following key components (individual electronics modules using the PXIe standard) integrated together in a National Instruments (NI) PXIe chassis. • Spectroscopy Lock: This stabilises the master laser frequency at the frequency of the atomic transition of the atoms in the spectroscopy cell. • Offset Lock: This maintains a predetermined frequency difference between the master laser input and slave laser it controls. • RF Generator and AOM Drive: This provides a variable RF signal (100 - 150 MHz) of 2 watts of electrical power to drive the AOM devices. The AOM's modulate the various laser beams to provide cooling of the trapped atoms, re-excitation of atoms trapped in the lower ground state (re-pump) and measurement of the atomic motion (Raman). • Magnetic Coil Drive: This provides current to a set of 12 magnetic coils that are used to null the effects of the Earth's magnetic field. • Laser Drive: This provides the drive to the master laser, controlling its frequency and amplitude. It also provides control of the Thermal Electric cooler to ensure temperature stability of the master laser. • Timing Card: This provides the precision sequencing and timing required to ensure all of the modules remain synchronised throughout the experiment and carry out the required functions at the required time. |
| Type Of Technology | Systems, Materials & Instrumental Engineering |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Impact | The product of the current award hasn't been released yet. |