+44 (0)24 7671 8970
More publications     •     Advertise with us     •     Contact us
 
News Article

CST Global wins space contract for laser diodes

CST Global Ltd, a laser diode manufacturer based in Glasgow, Scotland, has won a contract to develop reliable laser diodes that could eventually be implemented in laser-pumped atomic clocks.
The contract has been awarded by ESTEC, the Technical Evaluation Centre of the European Space Agency (ESA), which is overseeing the development of atomic clocks for space. One of these clocks is based on the element rubidium, operating at a clock transition frequency of 6.8 GHz.

For these new types of atomic clocks, it is first necessary to demonstrate a frequency standard using a laser-pumped gas cell. The most suitable lasers for this demonstration are laser diodes operating at 780 nm for the rubidium atomic frequency standard.

CST Global will be designing and manufacturing these components at its fabrication facility in Glasgow, UK. In this, as for all space applications, it is important that the laser diodes meet extremely exacting standards of quality and reliability.

For ESTEC it is extremely important to have the latest technology for the development of its future programs, and the coherent sources for laser-pumped atomic clocks are an important building block in achieving this goal. Equally important for ESTEC is to have a reliable European source of these components and the ongoing capability to develop improved versions of the components within Europe.

Atomic clocks are the most accurate timepieces in the world capable of being accurate up to one second in 20 million years. They will be a key element in the operation of a European satellite system, which will drive the development of satellite navigation services as well as providing the main technological backbone of the new mobile communication systems.

Neil Martin, CEO of CST Global Ltd, said: "CST is extremely pleased to be awarded this important contract by ESTEC. It confirms our capabilities in the manufacture of highly reliable compound semiconductor devices such as laser diodes for this critical element of Europe s 21st century infrastructure."

×
Search the news archive

To close this popup you can press escape or click the close icon.
×
Logo
×
Register - Step 1

You may choose to subscribe to the Compound Semiconductor Magazine, the Compound Semiconductor Newsletter, or both. You may also request additional information if required, before submitting your application.


Please subscribe me to:

 

You chose the industry type of "Other"

Please enter the industry that you work in:
Please enter the industry that you work in: