Miniaturized all optical ultracold atom source for quantum sensors in Space

Quantum sensors, and more specifically atom interferometry, are seriously considered in the frame of future space missions for Earth observation and fundamental physics. In this context, ICE project aims to develop a matter wave interferometer operating in microgravity to reach high sensitivity. For such an apparatus, the atom source is a key feature, and it is very important to optimize the atom flux and the spatial expansion of the atom cloud without increasing the complexity and the size of the device.