Implementation of science capabilities in the Bose-Einstein Condensate and Cold Atom Lab (BECCAL)

Abstract

The Bose-Einstein Condensate and Cold Atom Laboratory (BECCAL) is a joint NASA-DLR project for enabling experiments on quantum optics, atom optics with single species as well as mixtures of Rubidium and Potassium, and atom interferometry in a multi-user, multi-purpose facility onboard of the International Space Station [1]. The removal of the gravitational sag and the long-term quiet microgravity conditions on the ISS offer a unique environment for precision measurements as well as for fundamental research. This contribution will focus on the Physics Package and introduce the implementation of the broad range of functionalities, including the provision of ultra-cold Rb and K isotopes, various options of repulsive and attractive optical and magnetic fields for trapping and manipulation, and atom interferometry. The BECCAL payload is designed and constructed by the DLR Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing and the DLR Institute of Quantum Technologies with support by the DLR Space Administration in collaboration with the Humbold Universität zu Berlin, the Johannes-Gutenberg Universität Mainz, the Ferdinand Braun Institut für Hochfrequenztechnik, the Leibniz Universität Hannover, the Universität Bremen, the Universität Ulm, and involvement of OHB System AG. [1] K. Frye et al., The Bose-Einstein Condensate and Cold Atom Labortory, EPJ Quantum Technology 8, 1 (2021)