RF-Interrogated End-State Chip-Scale Atomic Clock

Abstract

A chip-scale atomic clock implemented with end-state physics has been fabricated and characterized. Batch-fabricated components were specifically designed and developed to enable integration within a small form-factor package. The full physics package, implemented with CW VCSEL optical pump, direct end-state hyperfine RF and Zeeman interrogation for magnetic field stabilization, was demonstrated within a 4 cm3 volume, consuming 25 mW of power, and exhibiting an Allan deviation stability. In addition, end-state signal contrast exceeded 40% from millimeter-scale vapor cells with buffer-gas pressures exceeding 2.5 atmospheres, demonstrating the route to submillimeter vapor-cells within high-performance CSACs for high shock/vibration environments.