Practical and cost-effective laser systems play an instrumental role as key-enabling tools for advanced quantum technologies, including cold-atom quantum clocks, which have the potential to address the growing demands for precision timekeeping in applications like telecommunications and positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). Currently available solutions are limited by their size, weight, power, and ultimately also cost (SWaP-C) and typically require additional customization on a unit basis, thus limiting the industrial scaling of quantum clocks. A suitable laser system should fulfill a unique set of specifications tailored to operating the clock, with key requirements including high output power, narrow linewidths at several wavelengths, and capability of continuous operation.

Menlo Systems and Vexlum address this challenge in the Eurostars project “VEQTOR” by developing a state-of-the-art, single-rack laser platform operating at multiple wavelengths, which is urgently needed for the scaling of quantum technology applications based on cold atoms and trapped ions, which include quantum clocks. The platform’s performance will be validated by demonstrating a versatile laser module containing six VECSELs (“Vertical-External-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser”), and a compact broadband frequency stabilization module. The system will be tailored towards quantum lattice clocks based on neutral strontium, integrated in a standardized 19″ rack, and benchmarked for 24/7 operation.

Within the project, Menlo Systems is developing the frequency stabilization module and taking care of system integration, while also rolling out the full laser system towards quantum technology applications.