A Compact High-Performance Frequency Reference for Space Applications

We present the development of a space-compatible laser frequency stabilization to a hyperfine transition in molecular iodine with a frequency stability in the 10-15 domain at longer integration times. A setup on elegant breadboard (EBB) level was successfully implemented and verified. Using modulation-transfer spectroscopy, a frequency stability of 4⋅10-15 at an integration time of 1.000 s was demonstrated in a beat measurement with a laboratory ULE cavity setup. The spectroscopy setup is realized using a 550mm x 250mm x 50mm baseplate made of a thermally highly stable glass ceramics in combination with adhesive bonding technology for integration of the optical components. The EBB setup is the basis for a setup on engineering model (EM) level that is currently developed using the same assembly-integration technology. A compact design of the EM setup is achieved using a compact multi-pass gas cell.

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