EPJ Quantum Technol. (2017) 4: 9
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-017-0063-y

Research

JOKARUS - design of a compact optical iodine frequency reference for a sounding rocket mission

¹ Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Newtonstr. 15, Berlin, 12489, Germany
² Zentrum für angewandte Raumfahrttechnologie und Mikrogravitation (ZARM), Universität Bremen, Am Fallturm, Bremen, 28359, Germany
³ Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR), Institut für Raumfahrtsysteme, Linzer Straße 1, Bremen, 28359, Germany
⁴ Menlo Systems GmbH, Am Klopferspitz 19a, Martinsried, 82153, Germany
⁵ Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik, Gustav-Kirchhoff-Str. 4, Berlin, 12489, Germany

^* e-mail: vladimir.schkolnik@physik.hu-berlin.de

Received: 28 February 2017
Accepted: 9 May 2017
Published online: 22 May 2017

Abstract

We present the design of a compact absolute optical frequency reference for space applications based on hyperfine transitions in molecular iodine with a targeted fractional frequency instability of better than 3 × 10⁻¹⁴ after 1 s. It is based on a micro-integrated extended cavity diode laser with integrated optical amplifier, fiber pigtailed second harmonic generation wave-guide modules, and a quasi-monolithic spectroscopy setup with operating electronics. The instrument described here is scheduled for launch end of 2017 aboard the TEXUS 54 sounding rocket as an important qualification step towards space application of iodine frequency references and related technologies. The payload will operate autonomously and its optical frequency will be compared to an optical frequency comb during its space flight.