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Accelerometer for Space Applications Based on Light-Pulse Atom Interferometry

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNX12CE32P
Agency Tracking Number: 115522
Amount: $124,561.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: S1.10
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2012-02-13
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2012-08-13
Small Business Information
CA
Sunnyvale, CA 94085-2909
United States
DUNS: 162344035
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Adam Black
 Principal Investigator
 (408) 735-9500
 ablack@aosense.com
Business Contact
 Brenton Young
Title: President
Phone: (408) 735-9500
Email: byoung@aosense.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

We propose to design a compact, high-precision, single-axis accelerometer based on atom interferometry that is applicable to operation in space environments. Our design will emphasize reliable operation and minimization of the acceleration noise floor, bias drifts and scale factor instability. Laser system reliability will be a major consideration in the design. The sensor design will be capable of demonstration and testing on a low-dynamics platform under earth gravity. Phase I will result in block diagrams and detailed 3D CAD models of the sensor head, laser system and electronic control system. We will validate the sensor design by developing error models taking into account variations in environmental parameters. Space-based inertial sensors based on atom interferometry are a compelling technology for both technological and scientific applications because of the exceptionally high performance that can be enabled by long interrogation times with cold atoms in a microgravity environment.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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