Abstract: A chip-scale atomic gyroscope and methods for sensing and measuring mechanical rotation of an object are disclosed. The chip-scale atomic gyroscope can include a vapor cell including a vapor cavity adapted to contain a vaporized source of alkali-metal atoms and noble gas atoms, a pump laser source adapted to produce a first laser beam along an optical pumping axis for optically pumping the alkali-metal atoms within the vapor cavity to an excited state, and a sense laser source adapted to produce a second laser beam along a sense axis transverse to the optical pumping axis for probing the polarization angle of the noble gas atoms within the vapor cavity. The pump and sense laser sources can each be connected to a servo mechanism, which can be configured to maintain the laser beams at a wavelength corresponding to the carrier wavelength of the alkali-metal atoms and a wavelength detuned from the carrier wavelength.

Abstract: A microcontainer device for micro-electro-mechanical systems such as atomic clocks is provided. The microcontainer device includes a substrate and a cavity in the substrate defined by a sidewall having an upper edge. The cavity is configured to hold a reactive material such as rubidium or cesium. A lid having a lower surface is configured to sealingly cover the cavity. A first hermetic material is disposed around an outer perimeter of the upper edge of the sidewall, and a second hermetic material is disposed around a perimeter of the lower surface of the lid. A sealing material chemically compatible with the reactive material is disposed around an inner perimeter of the upper edge of the sidewall adjacent to the first hermetic material.

Abstract: A chip-scale atomic gyroscope and methods for sensing and measuring mechanical rotation of an object are disclosed. The chip-scale atomic gyroscope can include a vapor cell including a vapor cavity adapted to contain a vaporized source of alkali-metal atoms and noble gas atoms, a pump laser source adapted to produce a first laser beam along an optical pumping axis for optically pumping the alkali-metal atoms within the vapor cavity to an excited state, and a sense laser source adapted to produce a second laser beam along a sense axis transverse to the optical pumping axis for probing the polarization angle of the noble gas atoms within the vapor cavity. The pump and sense laser sources can each be connected to a servo mechanism, which can be configured to maintain the laser beams at a wavelength corresponding to the carrier wavelength of the alkali-metal atoms and a wavelength detuned from the carrier wavelength.

Abstract: Described are structures useful in microelectronic or MEMS devices such as atomic clocks, sensors, and RF switches, wherein a first material is deposited onto a substrate to define a first material area of coverage and a second material is deposited over the first material area of coverage to define a second material area of coverage that includes the first material area of coverage and that additionally includes area that surrounds the first material area of coverage, such that the first material is enclosed by the second material over the entire area and past the edges of the first material.

Abstract: A frequency standard has a cell formed in a cavity of a substrate. The cell contains a metal alkali vapor. The substrate has an optical path that intersects the cell. A light source is supported by the substrate and supplies light through the first optical path to the cell, and a light detector is supported by the substrate and receives light through the second optical path from the cell. The sealed vapor-filled cell is surrounded by a vacuum cavity enclosure. Bridges between the cell and the substrate may be used to thermally isolate the cell in the cavity and allow closed loop temperature control of the cell.

Abstract: A frequency standard has a cell formed in a cavity of a substrate. The cell contains a metal alkali vapor. The substrate has an optical path that intersects the cell. A light source is supported by the substrate and supplies light through the first optical path to the cell, and a light detector is supported by the substrate and receives light through the second optical path from the cell. The sealed vapor-filled cell is surrounded by a vacuum cavity enclosure. Bridges between the cell and the substrate may be used to thermally isolate the cell in the cavity and allow closed loop temperature control of the cell.