Chip-scale atomic devices

Abstract

We present an overview of recent work to develop chip-scale atomic devices such as frequency references and magnetometers. These devices take advantage of advances over the last ten years in the fields of micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS), precision atomic spectroscopy and semiconductor lasers. The convergence of processes and techniques from these three disparate areas allows for highly compact, low-power sensors with exceptional sensitivity and stability. We will discuss in detail several important ongoing activities in our laboratory including recent advances in alkali cell fabrication and new physics package designs for chip-scale atomic clocks and magnetometers. Finally, we discuss opportunities related to the coupling of resonant, magnetic microstructures to atoms for highly compact, low power sensor applications.