Microfabricated vapor cells for miniature atomic clocks based on post-sealing activated cesium dispensers

• Published in: 2017 Joint Conference of the European Frequency and Time Forum and IEEE International Frequency Control Symposium (EFTF/IFCS) pp. 636 - 637
• Main Authors: Maurice, V., Rutkowski, J., Kroemer, E., Bargiel, S., Passilly, N., Boudot, R., Chutani, R., Galliou, S., Gorecki, C., Mauri, L., Moraja, M.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01.07.2017
• Subjects: alkali vapor cells; alkali vapor dispensing; Atomic clocks; Cavity resonators; Cesium; Fabrication; Frequency measurement; miniature atomic clocks; Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers
• ISSN: 2327-1949
• DOI: 10.1109/FCS.2017.8088984

We report techniques based on cesium dispensers to fill microfabricated vapor cells for miniature atomic clocks applications. Two main types of dispensers are considered, which take the form of pills or paste. Whereas the pill contains a large quantity of Cs, the paste is more compatible with wafer-level fabrication. In both cases, the main advantage is the release of the cesium vapor only once the cell has been sealed, ensuring an optimal cell fabrication. Activation is thus performed through local heating of the dispenser with a laser. Cells using both dispenser types are shown to be compatible with atomic clocks requirements, namely a clock frequency instability below 1 × 10 -11 at one day integration time.