An Optical Absolute Frequency Reference For A Sounding Rocket Mission Based On Iodine

We present a compact absolute optical frequency reference based on hyperfine transitions in molecular iodine for application on a sounding rocket mission. It is based on a micro-integrated extended cavity diode laser at 1064 nm with integrated optical amplifier, fiber pigtailed second harmonic generation wave-guide modules, and a quasi-monolithic spectroscopy setup with operating electronics. This frequency reference is scheduled for launch end of 2017 aboard the TEXUS 54 sounding rocket as an important qualification step towards space application of iodine frequency references and related technologies. We aim for a fractional frequency instability of better than 3 × 10−14. The payload will operate autonomously and its optical frequency will be compared to an optical frequency comb during its space flight.