GALACTIQ

Glass-Based Advanced LIDE Atom Chip Technology for Inertial Quantum Sensing

Many quantum sensors are based on ultracold atoms that are precisely controlled using magnetic fields and laser light. To make such systems more compact and robust, the QVLS-iLabs project GALACTIQ is pursuing a novel approach: glass-based atom chips. Glass is transparent, electrically insulating and enables particularly compact integration of optical and electrical functions.

In GALACTIQ, it is demonstrated for the first time how cold atoms can be trapped in a glass-based atom trap. This is a crucial step towards miniaturized quantum sensors, particularly compact quantum gravimeters. Such sensors measure the Earth’s gravitational field with high precision and open up applications, for example, in Earth observation, raw material exploration or the monitoring of geological processes.

The long-term goal is a highly integrated micro quantum system based on glass that combines all the necessary components – from the atom trap and optical interfaces to vacuum technology – in a compact platform. GALACTIQ thus lays the foundation for scalable, robust and industry-oriented quantum sensors of the next generation.

Project Partner

LPKF Laser & Electronics SE

Leibniz Universität Hannover

LASEROPTIK GmbH

Contact Person

Dr. Malte Schulz-Ruthenberg
LPKF Laser & Electronics SE