Q-Cell - Functionalised Plug and Play Vapour Cell Module

Success in commercialising thermal vapour-based atomic sensors and devices is hampered by the availability of reliable, low-cost, quality vapour cells. Progress has been made in the manufacturing of wafer cells to allow for proof-of-concept demonstrations, but some of the more-challenging performance and functional requirements necessitate added functionality, particularly control of the cell environment.

The Q-Cell project will develop a novel type of wafer cell with increased functionality (temperature and magnetic field control, reduction of heat dissipation, ambient magnetic field shielding). The cell will have a generic form appropriate for integration into a wide spectrum of robust quantum instruments. The project will accelerate the commercialisation of these atomic devices including: miniature atomic clocks; field sensors as magnetometers and inertial sensors.

This development builds upon INEX expertise in manufacturing silicon wafer devices, NPL's know-how in atomic magnetometry, inertial sensors and clock development and the University of Birmingham's modelling, design, characterisation, and qualification expertise.

The innovative Q-Cell design will exploit INEX' new concepts in integration of environmental controls into the wafer cell, and the University of Birmingham's solutions for magnetic field control and screening. NPL will validate the Q-Cell performance against the requirements defined by potential end-users and system integrators.