https://doi.org/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-025-00444-0
Research
Comparison of laser system designs for quantum technologies: BECCAL flight system vs. BECCAL ground test bed
1
Institut für Physik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Newtonstr. 15, 12489, Berlin, Berlin, Germany
2
Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik, Gustav-Kirchhoff-Str. 4, 12489, Berlin, Berlin, Germany
3
Institut für Physik, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 7, 55128, Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
4
ZARM, Universität Bremen, Am Fallturm 2, 28359, Bremen, Bremen, Germany
5
Institut für Quantenphysik, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
6
RAL Space, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Science Technology and Facilities Council, Harwell, OX11 0QX, Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK
7
Institute for Innovation and Technology, Steinplatz 1, 10623, Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Received:
16
May
2025
Accepted:
3
November
2025
Published online:
26
November
2025
We present the design of laser systems for the Bose-Einstein Condensate and Cold Atom Laboratory (BECCAL) payload, enabling numerous quantum technological experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS), in particular dual species 87Rb and 41K Bose-Einstein condensates. A flight model (FM) and a commercial off the shelf (COTS) based model are shown, both of which meet the BECCAL requirements in terms of functionality, but have differing size, weight and power (SWaP) and environmental requirements. The capabilities of both models are discussed and characteristics compared.
The flight model of BECCAL uses specifically developed and qualified custom components to create a compact and robust system suitable for long-term remote operation onboard the ISS. This system is based on ECDL-MOPA lasers and free-space optical benches made of Zerodur, as well as commercial fibre components. The COTS-based system utilizes entirely commercial parts to create a functionally equivalent system for operation in a standard laboratory, without the strict SWaP and environmental constraints of the flight model.
Key words: Laser system / Quantum technology / Microgravity / International Space Station / Bose-Einstein Condensate
© The Author(s) 2025
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