Direct semiconductor diode laser system for an optical lattice clock based on neutral strontium for future tests of fundamental physics in space

摘要

We present the design and the status of an optical lattice clock at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) based onbosonic 88Sr atoms with an emphasis on the laser system. The design of the clock aims for future implementationand science applications in space. The atomic source employs a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap realizedwith permanent magnets and a simple dispenser-based atomic oven. This design results in a low system size,weight and power, suppresses thermal atoms in the clock interrogation zone, and eliminates hot blackbodyradiation in the science cell. The laser system utilizes exclusively direct diode lasers without second harmonicgeneration to minimize the complexity and power consumption of the overall system. The clock interrogationlaser at 698nm and the laser for the second cooling stage at 689nm are both locked to the same high nesseoptical cavity to further reduce the size of the system. Future paths to system miniaturization are also discussed.