ESA Open Invitation To Tender AO8382
Open Date: 23/02/2016
Closing Date: 05/04/2016

Status: ISSUED
Reference Nr.: 15.129.07
Prog. Ref.: TRP
Budget Ref.: E/0901-01 – TRP
Special Prov.: BE+DK+FR+DE+IT+NL+ES+SE+CH+GB+IE+AT+NO+FI+PT+GR+LU+CZ+RO+PL+EE+HU
Tender Type: C
Price Range: 100-200 KEURO
Establishment: ESTEC
Directorate: Directorate of Technical & Quality Manag
Department: Mechanical Engineering Department
Division: Mechatronics and Optics Division
Contract Officer: Zarifa Kudari
Last Update Date: 23/02/2016
Update Reason: Tender issue

The realization of high performance neutral atom optical atomic frequency standards and clocks is dependent on high spectralresolution laser spectroscopy of the clock transition. Ultra high resolution spectroscopy (at high signal to noise ratios)has been realized by the implementation of the optical lattice. The lattice enables large numbers of cold neutral atoms co-existingwith minimal collisional effects . The implementation of the optical lattice at the so-called magic wavelength of the clocktransition states minimizes the frequency shift due to the polarizability mismatch between the upper and lower states of the clocktransition in the presence of the laser interrogating source (at 698nm).An optical lattice is formed by two overlapping laser beams, giving rise to a periodic intensity pattern due to interference.This intensity variation is experienced as a periodic potential by the atoms that are being trapped. The periodic potential can becontrolled in depth via the intensity of the interfering beams and the angle between the beams determines the lattice spacing.This spacing is just half the laser wavelength for counter-propagating beams.It will support the continuation of the Sr lattice development for D-HSO [Space Optical Clock].Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to EMITS news “Industrial Policy measures for non-primes, SMEs and R&D entities in ESA programmes”.

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