Publication Title

EPJ Quantum Technology

Document Type

Article

Department or Program

Physics and Astronomy

Publication Date

12-1-2021

Keywords

Atom interferometry, Atom optics, Bose-Einstein condensate, International Space Station, Microgravity, Quantum optics

Abstract

© 2020, The Author(s). Microgravity eases several constraints limiting experiments with ultracold and condensed atoms on ground. It enables extended times of flight without suspension and eliminates the gravitational sag for trapped atoms. These advantages motivated numerous initiatives to adapt and operate experimental setups on microgravity platforms. We describe the design of the payload, motivations for design choices, and capabilities of the Bose-Einstein Condensate and Cold Atom Laboratory (BECCAL), a NASA-DLR collaboration. BECCAL builds on the heritage of previous devices operated in microgravity, features rubidium and potassium, multiple options for magnetic and optical trapping, different methods for coherent manipulation, and will offer new perspectives for experiments on quantum optics, atom optics, and atom interferometry in the unique microgravity environment on board the International Space Station.

Comments

Original version is available from the publisher at: https://doi.org/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-020-00090-8

Copyright Note

This is the publisher's version of the work. This publication appears in Bates College's institutional repository by permission of the copyright owner for personal use, not for redistribution.

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