Miniature Portable Ultra-Cold Atom Source without Active Pumps Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Topic No.: N102-119 Topic Title: Miniature Portable Ultra-Cold Atom Source without Active Pumps Proposal No.: N102-119-0082 Firm: ColdQuanta 5470 Conestoga Court Boulder, Colorado 80301 Contact: Steven Hughes Phone: (303) 440-1284 Web Site: www.coldquanta.com Abstract: Research centers on the development of a purely passively pumped miniature ultrahigh vacuum system capable of producing Bose-Einstein condensates and related forms of ultracold matter. The approach is based on a double-MOT system incorporating an atom chip. Key issues concern the management of the excess thermal component of the cooled alkali metal species as well as the elimination of trace impurity gases. Experimental work concentrates on investigation of candidate getter elements and demonstration of getter technology. Efficacy of the approach is to be established in a proof-of-principle demonstration achieving nanotorr vacuum levels in the atom chip section of the system while it is also subject to the high thermal background load of alkali metal vapor. Design work centers on new vacuum cell fabrication techniques and integration of the passive pump elements to complete the miniature cell system design having a volume of less than 100 cc. Benefits: Ultracold matter systems can have substantial impact on arenas of DoD interest including inertial sensing, magnetic field sensing, and timekeeping, as well as in related areas of commercial and scientific interest. The elimination of active pumps from ultracold matter systems removes a substantial barrier to miniaturization of such systems and also widens their applications to domains that are, for example, intolerant of stray magnetic fields. Advances in fabrication methods will furthermore lower system cost which in turn can substantially reduce applications development costs. The miniaturization effort carried out here will lead to more robust systems as well as lower the volume, weight, and complexity of ultracold matter systems. Technology advances achieved in ultrahigh vacuum miniaturization are likely to also have impact in related fields such as quantum computing and quantum simulation which have similar demanding ultrahigh vacuum requirements. Return