title: Ultrastable, Zerodur-based optical benches for quantum gas experiments.
abstract: Operating ultracold quantum gas experiments outside of a laboratory environment has so far been a challenging goal, largely due to the lack of sufficiently stable optical systems. In order to increase the thermal stability of free-space laser systems, the application of nonstandard materials such as glass ceramics is required. Here, we report on Zerodur-based optical systems which include single-mode fiber couplers consisting of multiple components jointed by light-curing adhesives. The thermal stability is thoroughly investigated, revealing excellent fiber-coupling efficiencies between 0.85 and 0.92 in the temperature range from 17°C to 36°C. In conjunction with successfully performed vibration tests, these findings qualify our highly compact systems for atom interferometry experiments aboard a sounding rocket as well as various other quantum information and sensing applications.
authors.forename: Hannes
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Duncker
authors.forename: Ortwin
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Hellmig
authors.forename: André
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wenzlawski
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grote
authors.forename: Amir Jones
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Rafipoor
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rafipoor
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sengstock
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Windpassinger