Photonic Systems for Quantum Sensors in Space

Quantum sensors will play a major role in space science applications. This is because of the promising ability of these sensors to outperform their classical counterparts. Photonics is a major support technology for quantum sensors, but further developments are required to make components and systems possible for space applications. Photonic systems based on crystalline whispering gallery resonators are poised to address some of the needs of future sensors. A laser system based on this approach is being developed in support of Space Quantum Gravity Gradiometer using cesium atoms and is briefly described.