Programmable System on Chip for controlling an atomic physics experiment

Abstract

Most atomic physics experiments are controlled by a digital pattern generator used to synchronize all equipment by providing triggers and clocks. Recently, the availability of well-documented open-source development tools has lifted the barriers to using programmable systems on chip (PSoC), making them a convenient and versatile tool for synthesizing digital patterns. Here, we take advantage of these advancements in the design of a versatile clock and pattern generator using a PSoC. We present our design with the intent of highlighting the new possibilities that PSoCs have to offer in terms of flexibility. We provide a robust hardware carrier and basic firmware implementation that can be expanded and modified for other uses.

References in corpus (10)

• An atomic clock with $10^{-18}$ instability
• Quantum State Engineering and Precision Metrology using State-Insensitive Light Traps
• JILA SrI Optical Lattice Clock with Uncertainty of $2.0\times 10^{-18}$
• A quantum sensor for atom-surface interactions below 10 $\mu$m
• A scripted control system for autonomous hardware timed experiments
• A Distributed GUI-based Computer Control System for Atomic Physics Experiments
• A scalable hardware and software control apparatus for experiments with hybrid quantum systems
• Embedded Control System for Mobile Atom Interferometers
• A control hardware based on a field programmable gate array for experiments in atomic physics
• Arbitrary digital pulse sequence generator with delay-loop timing

Cited by in corpus (4)

• A flexible control system for atomic, molecular and optical physics experiments
• A many-channel FPGA control system
• Experimental timing and control using microcontrollers
• High-power RF amplifier for ultracold atom experiments