@fabcho

A Dual-Species Atom Interferometer Payload for Operation on Sounding Rockets

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and . Microgravity Science and Technology, (Sep 7, 2023)Funding Information: The QUANTUS IV - MAIUS project is a collaboration of Zentrum für angewandte Raumfahrttechnologie und Mikrogravitation Bremen, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz and Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik. It is supported by the German Space Agency DLR with funds provided by the Federal Ministry for economic affairs and climate action (BMWK) under grant number DLR 50WP 1431-1435. We acknowledge support from Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Raumfahrtbetrieb, Oberpfaffenhofen, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Simulations- und Softwaretechnik, Braunschweig. Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germany’s Excellence Strategy - EXC-2123 QuantumFrontiers - 390837967.
DOI: 10.1007/s12217-023-10068-7

Abstract

We report on the design and the construction of a sounding rocket payload capable of performing atom interferometry with Bose-Einstein condensates of \(^41\)K and \(^87\)Rb. The apparatus is designed to be launched in two consecutive missions with a VSB-30 sounding rocket and is qualified to withstand the expected vibrational loads of 1.8 g root-mean-square in a frequency range between 20 - 2000 Hz and the expected static loads during ascent and re-entry of 25 g. We present a modular design of the scientific payload comprising a physics package, a laser system, an electronics system and a battery module. A dedicated on-board software provides a largely automated process of predefined experiments. To operate the payload safely in laboratory and flight mode, a thermal control system and ground support equipment has been implemented and will be presented. The payload presented here represents a cornerstone for future applications of matter wave interferometry with ultracold atoms on satellites.

Links and resources

Tags