Optical system for a strontium optical lattice clock aboard the Chinese Space Station
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: We report the design and in-orbit demonstration of a compact optical system for a 87Sr optical lattice clock aboard the Chinese Space Station. This system adopts a compact and robust vertically stacked architecture with a total volume of 0.11 m3 and a mass of 53.6 kg. It passed thermal and vibration qualification tests and remained fully operational after launch. In orbit, it achieved automated multi-stage laser stabilization and a blue magneto-optical trap for 87Sr atoms. This marks a significant step toward operational optical clocks in space.
Source: Review of Scientific Instruments
DOI: 10.1063/5.0282958
Authors: Jian Xia, Wenhai Wang, Guodong Zhao, Wei Tan, Yongzhuang Zhou, Feng Guo, Yun Liu, Dejing He, Min Feng, Ting Liang, Jie Ren, Junwei Meng, Yong Shen, Xiaotong Lu, Benquan Lu, Yebing Wang, Chihua Zhou, Hongxin Zou, Hong Chang
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4414062839