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Challenges to miniaturizing cold atom technology for deployable vacuum metrology
Stephen Eckel1, Daniel S Barker1, James A Fedchak1
1Sensor Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
Metrologia
|April 16, 2019
Summary
Cold atoms offer precise pressure measurements for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and extreme high vacuum (XHV) environments. This research explores challenges and uncertainties in developing deployable cold-atom vacuum gauges for widespread use.
Area of Science:
- Atomic physics
- Metrology
- Vacuum science
Background:
- Cold atoms are established tools for SI timekeeping and are emerging for SI pressure realization in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and extreme high vacuum (XHV).
- National metrology institutes currently lead the development of primary vacuum metrology using cold atoms.
- The 'quantum-SI' paradigm aims to make these technologies deployable as user-friendly sensors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the challenges in creating deployable cold-atom vacuum sensors for UHV and XHV.
- To investigate corrections and uncertainties for ideal cold-atom vacuum gauges.
- To evaluate the suitability of light (Li) versus heavy (Rb) atoms for vacuum sensing.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical investigation of two operational modes for cold-atom vacuum gauges.
- Estimation of expected corrections to ideal gauge performance.
- Analysis of associated uncertainties for UHV and XHV pressure measurements.
Main Results:
- Identified key challenges in transitioning cold-atom vacuum metrology from national institutes to end-users.
- Quantified expected corrections and uncertainties for different operating modes of cold-atom vacuum gauges.
- Proposed the light Lithium atom as a potentially advantageous sensor for vacuum metrology applications.
Conclusions:
- Cold-atom technology holds promise for primary pressure realization in UHV and XHV, enabling user-deployable sensors.
- Careful consideration of operational modes, corrections, and uncertainties is crucial for accurate vacuum measurements.
- Light atoms like Lithium may offer benefits over heavier alternatives for future cold-atom vacuum gauge development.
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