Miniaturised, high-reliability lasers for quantum technologies

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This thesis describes the experimental characterisation of the Flame laser module within the context of quantum technologies. Alter UK have developed a compact module designed for frequency stabilisation of a laser, measuring 6 cm x 4 cm x 1.5 cm. The Flame module employs an internal saturation absorption spectroscopy setup to lock a distributed Bragg reflector laser diode to an integrated alkali vapour source. This eliminates the necessity for external optical components specifically in the laser locking process, resulting in a reduction of the experimental footprint. The Flame’s compact design makes it particularly well-suited for the advancement of deployable atomic sensors, aligning with the industry drive towards more efficient and portable quantum technology solutions. We explore a device’s frequency stability, revealing a στ value of 5 × 10−12 at a 1 second integration time, which verified the module’s suitability for laser cooling applications. The Flame was integrated into a portable cold-atom system to showcase its practicality and durability outside a laboratory setting. We investigate the module’s adaptability, utilising 780 nm and 852 nm devices to fabricate two respective optically pumped magnetometers. The first system exhibited promise as a co-magnetometer, while the second proved more suitable for portable magnetic sensing applications, delivering a sensitivity of 3 pT /√ Hz.

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