PULSed Atomic Clock with ImprOved MEMS Cell TechNology – PULSACION

The PULSACION project, combining the expertise of FEMTO-ST institute and its industrial partner Syrlinks, aims to identify and to propose innovative scientific and technological solutions allowing to improve the long-term fractional frequency stability of miniaturized atomic clocks based on coherent population trapping (CPT) physics, while maintaining or even enhancing their compatibility with compactness, power consumption an industrialization specification constraints. These advances will rely on two major and complementary research axes. The first one concerns the development of a novel Cs vapor microcell technology based on the use of micro-fabricated make-seal and break-seal membrane structures combined with low gas permeation glass substrates, in order to achieve an extended choice and improved control of the cell inner atmosphere. The second axis aims to demonstrate the experimental implementation and efficiency of original pulsed interrogation protocols, allowing a significant reduction of frequency light-shift effects induced during the interaction of atoms with the probing light field. The combination of these two research axes will pave the way for a new-generation CPT-based miniature atomic clock with improved long-term fractional frequency stability performances, extended operation temperature range and better compatibility with collective fabrication and mass production. These key aspects are of prime importance in numerous civil, industrial and defense applications such as secure communications, precise time dating and dissemination in electrical, telecommunication or bank data transfer networks, satellite-based positioning and navigation systems or underwater sensor matrices used in seismic research and gas and oil exploration. The key points will give to the French industrial miniature atomic clock a significant plus-value in a highly strategic and competitive domain, benefiting to its commercialization.