Quantum Atomic Sensors and Clocks
QuaMT-ITA activities in Atomic Clocks & Quantum Sensors focuses on research and development of atomics and optical clocks that have proven to be exploitable also as atomic sensors of unprecedented precision.
Specific examples for activities in Atomic Clocks and Quantum Sensors include:
- Novel optical clocks and quantum enhanced (e.g. by entanglement or quantum non-demolition measurement) clocks and atomic systems for metrology and research
- Development of time and frequency dissemination and of quantum communication networks
- Novel clocks, sensors and light sources on a chip
- Certified time and time stamping distribution
- High accuratcy frequency references in the optical and microwave domain
- High accuratcy magnetic field references for Atomic Clocks and Quantum sensors
Italian Official Time | ph. INRiM
Italian Official Time | ph. INRiM
Strontium optical clock. | ph. INRiM
Strontium optical clock. | ph. INRiM
Ytterbium optical clock. | ph. INRiM
Ytterbium optical clock. | ph. INRiM
Micro-cell containing Rb vapor for quantum sensing. | ph. INRiM
Micro-cell containing Rb vapor for quantum sensing. | ph. INRiM
Time scale UTC(IT)
The INRIM's Time and Frequency Laboratories mantain the unit of measurement of the second for Italy. The Italian time scale UTC(IT) is generated thanks to a set of commercial clocks (hydrogen masers and caesium beams) and primary and secondary frequency standards (caesium fountain and ytterbium clock). INRIM uses satellite systems to compare UTC(IT) with the time scales created by other national metrological institutes around the world, contributing to the international realization of UTC by the BIPM.
Performance:
Time scale generated by optical clock: sub-nanoseconds time accurancy ( 200 - 800 ps).
Caesium atomic fountain: The primary frequency standard
The national primary frequency standard, consisting of a caesium fountain atomic clock cooled to 89 K. This apparatus was built and it is currently maintained at INRIM. The accuracy of this standard is 2 x 10-16, making it one of the most accurate primary standards in the world. The frequency standards is used to generate the national time scale and constantly provides data to the BIPM for the calibration of the International Atomic Time. The time scale is also disseminated via optical fiber to several Italian research institutes to allow high-precision atomic and molecular physics measurements.
Performance:
Time scale generated by optical clock: sub-nanoseconds time accurancy ( 200 - 800 ps).
Ytterbium optical lattice clock
The optical standards represent the future of frequency metrology. They already have achieved uncertainties lower than those of primary standards (cesium fountains). The clock built at INRIM has an accuracy of 2 x 10-17 but this limit can be further lowered as soon as the most relevant systematic effects (in particular the blackbody effect) are reduced. In fact, a new system is being developed that can achieve higher performances
Performance:
Instability : 1 x 10-15 @ 1s.
Accurancy: 2 x 10-17
Strontium optical lattice clock
INRiM has assembled its own strontium optical lattice clock which features some original solutions. In particular, it employs an atomic source based on a 2D-MOT trap that ensures the suppression of the blackbody effect from the atomic oven and and suppression of atomic hot collisions. Furthermore, it will host an optical cavity detection scheme to overcome the quantum projection noise limit and explore quantum technologies in optical clocks.
Performance:
(preliminary characterization)
Instability < 1 x 10-14 @ 1s.
Accurancy < 1 x 10-15
Microcell atomic frequency standards
A stable oscillator that combines performance with compactness, reliability and consumption is required in several industrial applications, in particularly in the field of satellite navigation and telecommunications.
In INRIM there is an active research line on Rubidium clocks based on laser pumping (POP clock). The POP is currently the subject of an industrial development aimed to its spatialization. The know-how developed in this area includes the development of low-noise microwave synthesizers, digital acquisition and control electronics, compact and robust optical systems. Another line of active research is the realization of an optical frequency standard based on the 2-photons transition of Rb at 778 nm.
Performance:
Instability < 5e-13 @ and < 1e-14 @ 1 day
Ultracold atoms - ions apparatus
The goal of this experiment is to improve the technology of trapped ions and ultracold atoms to improve ion clocks, quantum simulations and quantum sensing. In addition, atom-ion interactions in the ultracold regime provide a perfect platform to study the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of quantum systems with localized impurities.
Performance:
first ion trap apparatus (Ba+) in Italy
Cold molecules manipulations
In this laboratory, new methods for cooling and controlling neutral molecules are developed and used to improve the resolution of spectroscopic measurements. We are currently working on a buffer gas source to prepare an effusive beam of cold molecules, with the prospect of later performing laser cooling. In the meantime, we collaborate with colleagues at INO-CNR who create ultracold molecules by the association of atoms.
Highly accurate magnetic field references for Quantum Clocks and Atomic sensors
In this laboratory we realize the national magnetic field reference standard exploiting the nuclear magnetic resonance technique and active compensation of environment magnetic field noise. Traceability to the frequency standard, high stability of the reference magnetic field and ultra-low background noise are key components to develop metrology for next generation quantum sensors of magnetic fields.
Performance:
>10uT, with relative uncertainty of 1E-4
Link:
https://www.inrim.it/sites/default/files/2022-06/Catalogo%20Servizi%20Metrologici.pdf
Calibration microwave atomic oscillators
Measurement and calibration of time and frequency outputs (PPS, 10MHz). The instrument under test is compared with the proper INRIM absolute atomic reference.
Service Type:
Calibration
R&D Area:
Quantum Metrology
Target Users:
Industry, Startups
Status:
Available
Contact Person:
r.costa@inrim.it
Calibration of optical atomic oscillators
Measurement and calibration of time and frequency outputs (optical or RF). The instrument under test is compared with the proper INRIM absolute atomic reference via frequency comb.
Service Type:
Measurement Service
R&D Area:
Quantum Metrology
Target Users:
Industry, Startups
Status:
On Demand
Contact Person:
c.clivati@inrim, m.pizzocaro@inrim.it, m.gozzelino@inrim.it
Phase noise and stability analysis of ultrastable laser
Characterization of the optical spectral purity by a direct comparison with frequency comb and / or ulstrastable lasers available at INRIM.
Service Type:
Measurement Service, Research collaboration
R&D Area:
Quantum Metrology
Target Users:
Industry, Startups, Academia
Status:
On Demand
Contact Person:
c.clivati@inrim, m.pizzocaro@inrim.it, m.gozzelino@inrim.it
Atomic microcells characterization
Quality check and spectral absorption characterization of MEMS cells filled with Rb, Cs, Yb, Sr.
Service Type:
Measurement Service, Research collaboration, Access to equipment, Training
R&D Area:
Quantum Computation and Simulation, Quantum Sensing
Target Users:
Industry, Startups, Academia
Status:
On Demand
Contact Person:
m.barbiero@inrim.it, m.gozzelino@inrim.it
Laser stabilization unit
Consultancy and Co-design of dedicated laser stabilization system: line narrowing and multi-wavelength stabilization to ultrastable cavities, long term stability enhancement by referencing to atomic sample.
Service Type:
Research collaboration, Training, Consultancy
R&D Area:
Quantum Computation and Simulation, Quantum Sensing
Target Users:
Industry, Startups, Academia
Status:
On Demand
Contact Person:
c.clivati@inrim, m.pizzocaro@inrim.it, m.gozzelino@inrim.it, m.barbiero@inrim.it
Atomic sources and atom traps
Consultancy and Co-design of atomic ovens and tools for atom cooling and trapping both for neutral atoms and ion platforms
Service Type:
Research collaboration, Training, Consultancy
R&D Area:
Quantum Computation and Simulation, Quantum Sensing
Target Users:
Industry, Startups, Academia
Status:
On Demand
Contact Person:
m.barbiero@inrim.it, m.pizzocaro@inrim.it, m.tarallo@inrim.it, c.sias@inrim.it, l.duca@inrim.it, g.santambrogio@inrim.it
Laser source development from IR to UV
Consultancy and co-design of narrow-linewidht laser system spanning from IR to UV spectrum.
Service Type:
Research collaboration, Training, Consultancy
R&D Area:
Quantum Computation and Simulation, Quantum Sensing, Quantum Metrology
Target Users:
Industry, Startups, Academia
Status:
On Demand
Contact Person:
m.barbiero@inrim.it, m.pizzocaro@inrim.it, m.tarallo@inrim.it