In-orbit verification of an optical frequency reference on the ISS Bartolomeo platform

Thilo Schuldt; Klaus Abich; Tasmim Alam; Jonas Bischof; Tim Blomberg; Ludwig Blümel; Alec Boac; Andre Bußmeier; Martin Gohlke; Frederik Kuschewski; Markus Oswald; Jan Wüst; Thomas Zechel; Xavier Amigues; Andreas Eckardt; Winfried Halle; Bernd Zender; Jan Hrabina; Jindrich Oulehla; Ahmad Bawamia; Klaus Döringshoff; Christian Kürbis; Markus Krutzik; Andreas Wicht; Stefan Oschkera; Michael Jentsch; Salome Schweikle; Christopher Speidel; Norbert Beller; Christian Dahl; Martin Großmann; Timo Liebherr; Kai-Christian Voss; Claus Braxmaier

doi:10.1117/12.2689976

12 July 2023 In-orbit verification of an optical frequency reference on the ISS Bartolomeo platform

Thilo Schuldt, Klaus Abich, Tasmim Alam, Jonas Bischof, Tim Blomberg, Ludwig Blümel, Alec Boac, Andre Bußmeier, Martin Gohlke, Frederik Kuschewski, Markus Oswald, Jan Wüst, Thomas Zechel, Xavier Amigues, Andreas Eckardt, Winfried Halle, Bernd Zender, Jan Hrabina, Jindrich Oulehla, Ahmad Bawamia, Klaus Döringshoff, Christian Kürbis, Markus Krutzik, Andreas Wicht, Stefan Oschkera, Michael Jentsch, Salome Schweikle, Christopher Speidel, Norbert Beller, Christian Dahl, Martin Großmann, Timo Liebherr, Kai-Christian Voss, Claus Braxmaier

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Proceedings Volume 12777, International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2022; 127772A (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2689976
Event: International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2022, 2022, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Abstract

Within the DLR project COMPASSO, optical clock and link technologies will be evaluated in space on the Bartolomeo platform attached to the Columbus module of the ISS. The system utilizes two iodine-based frequency references, a frequency comb, an optical laser communication and ranging terminal and a GNSS disciplined microwave reference. While COMPASSO is specifically dedicated to test optical technologies relevant for future satellite navigation (i.e. Galileo), the technologies are also crucial for future missions related to Earth observation and science. The optical frequency reference is based on modulation transfer spectroscopy (MTS) of molecular iodine near a wavelength of 532 nm. An extended cavity diode laser (ECDL) at a wavelength of 1064 nm is used as light source, together with fiber-optical components for beam preparation and manipulation. The laser light is frequency-doubled and sent to a mechanically and thermally highly stable free-beam spectroscopy board which includes a 20 cm long iodine cell in four-pass configuration. The iodine reference development is lead by the DLR-Institute of Quantum Technologies and includes further DLR institutes, space industry and research institutions. Phase B of the project will be finalized soon and an Engineering Model of the iodine reference, which represents the flight models in form, fit and function, will be realized by mid 2023. The launch of the COMPASSO payload is planned for 2025. Additional presentation content can be accessed on the supplemental content page.

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Thilo Schuldt, Klaus Abich, Tasmim Alam, Jonas Bischof, Tim Blomberg, Ludwig Blümel, Alec Boac, Andre Bußmeier, Martin Gohlke, Frederik Kuschewski, Markus Oswald, Jan Wüst, Thomas Zechel, Xavier Amigues, Andreas Eckardt, Winfried Halle, Bernd Zender, Jan Hrabina, Jindrich Oulehla, Ahmad Bawamia, Klaus Döringshoff, Christian Kürbis, Markus Krutzik, Andreas Wicht, Stefan Oschkera, Michael Jentsch, Salome Schweikle, Christopher Speidel, Norbert Beller, Christian Dahl, Martin Großmann, Timo Liebherr, Kai-Christian Voss, and Claus Braxmaier "In-orbit verification of an optical frequency reference on the ISS Bartolomeo platform", Proc. SPIE 12777, International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2022, 127772A (12 July 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2689976

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