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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
Within the BMFTR-funded project QYRO (Kernspin-basierte Quantengyroskope für New Space Anwendungen), the consortium has qualified 795 nm VCSELs (vertical cavity surface emitting lasers) as pump-and-probe laser sources for an NMR gyroscope with reduced SWaP for satellite navigation. The devices deliver high optical efficiency and reduce power consumption. Their small footprint and low mass support compact sensor designs. The VCSEL architecture also ensures stable, narrow-band emission, which benefits long-term operation in space.
The VCSELs were grown at the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH) and packaged for space use by TRUMPF TLB. Consortium leader Arda Atomics GmbH (formerly Q.ANT) as system integrator, integrated these lasers alongside the innovative MEMS vapor cell developed by Bosch Research. This vapor cell, filled with rubidium and xenon atoms, is a key element of the sensor, with the VCSELs acting as a suitable laser source to pump and probe these atoms. Bosch Research further contributes by developing the signal processing electronics, which analyze the optical signal after it passes through the vapor cell to precisely extract the rotation rate for satellite navigation.
The team at Arda Atomics carried out the Flatsat campaign which included the measurement of the gyroscope sensitivity with these VCSELs and compared it to a reference setup using edge-emitting DFB laser modules. The results matched: the VCSEL-based system reached the same sensitivity as the bulkier and heavier DFB reference modules. Based on these results, the consortium selected VCSELs for the final flight models, developed and qualified within QYRO. Their higher optical efficiency reduces the power consumption of the NMR gyroscope.
TRUMPF TLB qualified the packaged lasers at subsystem level. The test program included radiation and vibration testing, ensuring robustness for satellite operation. Arda Atomics ran equivalent vibration tests at system level, with a fully integrated compact sensor providing reliable and precise data. The final qualification and integration of the flying payload will be completed during a CubeSat satellite mission launched by DLR Galileo Competence Center in 2027.
Arda Atomics GmbH is a new Spin-off from Trumpf and successor of Q.ANT’s atomic gyroscope developments. With a team of highly specialized physicists and engineers, it aims to create quantum sensing solutions for a wide range of specialized navigation needs. Arda Atomics will continue to lead the QYRO consortium until the successful launch in 2027.
https://www.ardaatomics.com/
The Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH) is an application-oriented research institute in the fields of high-frequency electronics, photonics and quantum physics. It researches electronic and optical components, modules, and systems based on compound semiconductors. In close cooperation with industry, its research results lead to cutting-edge products.
https://www.fbh-berlin.de/en
TRUMPF is a high-tech company offering manufacturing solutions in the fields of machine tools and laser technology. It drives digital connectivity in manufacturing through consulting, platform products and software. TRUMPF is one of the technology and market leaders in highly versatile machine tools for sheet metal processing and in the field of industrial lasers. In 2024/25, TRUMPF employed 18,303 people and generated sales of 4.3 billion euros. With about 90 companies, the TRUMPF Group is represented in nearly every European country as well as in North America, South America and Asia. The company has production facilities in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, the United States, Mexico and China.
https://www.trumpf.com
The Galileo Competence Center (GK) of DLR e.V. was founded in 2019. It is dedicated to the further development of the European satellite navigation system Galileo in order to support Europe in providing the best possible navigation technologies.
https://www.dlr.de/de/gk/
Bosch Research is the innovation hub of Bosch, dedicated to developing groundbreaking technologies and products that make life better, from fundamental research to advanced product development. In the QYRO project, the diverse team of experts at Bosch Research develops two critical elements of the gyroscope sensor: the innovative MEMS vapor cell, fabricated in-house and filled with rubidium and xenon atoms, and the advanced signal processing electronics. These electronics package precisely extracts the essential rotation rate from the optical signal after it passes the vapor cell, crucial for satellite altitude control.
https://www.bosch.com/research/
QYRO Gyroscope with detail of one of the VCSELs
Copyright: © QYRO / L.Torralbo-Campo
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