The Stratospheric Optical Rubidium Clock Experiment
- Paper number
IAC-19,A2,1,3,x54484
- Author
Ms. Kristen Cote, Canada, University of Toronto
- Coauthor
Mrs. Shira Jackson, Canada, University of Toronto
- Coauthor
Mr. Ryan Zazo, Canada, University of Toronto
- Coauthor
Ms. Lucy Ma, Canada, University of Toronto
- Coauthor
Dr. Amar Vutha, Canada, University of Toronto
- Year
2019
- Abstract
\noindent The development of optical atomic clocks and optical frequency standards is foundational to the advancement of space-based missions in geodesy, deep-space satellite navigation, and fundamental physics. Examples of such fundamental physics investigations include the BOOST Symmetry Test (BOOST) satellite and the proposed Astrodynamical Space Test of Relativity using Optical Devices I (ASTROD I) mission, which both utilize ultra-stable clocks. Optical clocks fluctuate very rapidly ($\sim 10^{14}$ times per second), so the interval between “ticks” of an optical atomic clock is a few femtoseconds. Since the scale of time is divided into such small intervals, optical atomic clocks provide exceptional timing resolution and stability. However, most of these existing clocks are not compact enough to be suitable for space-based applications.\\ \indent The Stratospheric Optical Rubidium Clock Experiment (SORCE) aims to demonstrate a compact optical atomic clock built from commercially available components on a stratospheric balloon platform, as a first step towards a functioning space-based system. This will be the first demonstration of a remotely operated, portable optical atomic clock. SORCE aims to perform a Lorentz violation test using two orthogonal clock systems utilizing the 778 nm 5S$_{1/2}$ to 5D$_{5/2}$ two-photon transition in rubidium, reaching a fractional stability of $5\times10^{-13}/\sqrt{\tau(s)}$ in a 35$\times$35$\times$25 cm package.\\ %Also, I'm having trouble deciding on which tense to use because future tense sounds like the project hasn't been started, but present tense sounds too certain \indent SORCE will fly on a high-altitude balloon as part of the 2019 STRATOS campaign (CSA/CNES) in late August from Timmins, Ontario, Canada. The results from the flight, including lessons learned and scientific outcomes, will be presented along with a complete characterization of SORCE.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-19,A2,1,3,x54484.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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