IOTA: Compact Ion Clock for Precision Timing Applications

Atomic clocks have a wide range of applications from communication, navigation to trading and scientific research. Systems based on trapped atomic ions promise significantly improved accuracy compared to currently commercially available systems. Accuracies of 10-18 have been demonstrated with such systems in research labs. However, due to their complexity, power consumption and environmental requirements, these systems are far from portable. To generate an electronic reference signal optical atomic clocks contain an optical reference, a laser stabilised to an optical transition within an atomic species, and an optical frequency comb. The two research groups at the University of Sussex are developing demonstrators for a portable atomic reference system based on trapped calcium ions and a micro-comb system. This project aims to address two technological challenges within the two atomic clock subsystems. To improve the systems' compactness, robustness and weight, the two research groups join forces with MSquared Lasers, a leading company in optical technology development. In addition, the commercial exploitation of the atomic clock system will be explored with focus on system integrators.

The aim of the project is to advance the commercialisation of a portable atomic clock system. There will be a direct economic impact as the work will lead to a commercial system which will be brought to market by the UK industry partner MSquared Lasers. Also sub-systems such as the laser system, the control electronics and the physics packages will be a great economic interest. To realise the economic potential, the project will include an exploitation plan. Beyond the direct focus on economic impact, the involved personal will obtain important training in the commercialisation of QT 2.0 technologies, training in the underlying physics and engineering. Educating the quantum technology professionals will be a key to the future economic success of quantum technologies in the UK.