Cold-atom clock based on a diffractive optic

Abstract

Clocks based on cold atoms offer unbeatable accuracy and long-term stability, but their use in portable quantum technologies is hampered by a large physical footprint. Here, we use the compact optical layout of a grating magneto-optical trap (gMOT) for a precise frequency reference. The gMOT collects $10^7$ ${}^{87}$Rb atoms, which are subsequently cooled to $20\mu$K in optical molasses. We optically probe the microwave atomic ground-state splitting using lin$\perp$lin polarised coherent population trapping and a Raman-Ramsey sequence. With ballistic drop distances of only $0.5$mm, the measured short-term fractional frequency stability is $2\times 10^{-11}/\sqrt{\tau }$.

arXiv comment8 pages, 4 figures

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• Optimal binary gratings for multi-wavelength magneto-optical traps
• $\Lambda$-enhanced gray molasses in a tetrahedral laser beam geometry
• A simple, powerful diode laser system for atomic physics
• An additive-manufactured microwave cavity for a compact cold-atom clock
• Grating magneto-optical trap of cesium atoms with an additional retroreflected laser beam