Enabling Ultracold Systems out of the Lab

Ultracold atom systems have been the focus of extensive research for developing sensors for various applications. In spite of the promised exquisite sensor performance, realizing cold-atom systems for real applications remains a significant challenge. Ultracold atom experiments rely on several complex subsystems and are very susceptible to their environment. For example, typically-used laser systems wield bulk optics in an optical bench setup. We present our experimental efforts to realize an ultracold atom system outside of the lab, including a rugged all-fiber laser system capable of meeting many typical ultracold atom experiment requirements. Our system represents a significant step forward in moving ultracold atom interferometer technology such as clocks, accelerometers, gravitometers, and gyroscopes out of the lab and into real-world implementations.