---
title: Pilot Photonics to Develop New Laser Technology for The European Space Agency
description: Pilot Photonics develops new light source based on optical combs for Rubidium based atomic clocks
image: https://content.pilotphotonics.com/hubfs/Space%20Thumb.jpg
---

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 Nov 25, 2024 10:33:50 PM

# Pilot Photonics to Develop New Laser Technology for The European Space Agency

[Pilot Photonics](https://content.pilotphotonics.com/press-releases/author/pilot-photonics)

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Dublin, Ireland – July 06, 2018 – Pilot Photonics Ltd. ("Pilot" or ‘Pilot Photonics” or the "Company"), a privately held company developing Optical Comb Source technologies and products has announced that it has won a €267,000 contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to enhance its optical comb laser technology for use in optical frequency metrology, a field of technology which uses the relationship between light waves, and micro-waves to perform extremely accurate physical measurements. The technology offers the potential for use in advanced space applications including atomic clock generation, gravity sensing and magnetic sensing.

“The objective of this project is to design a new light source that is optimised for Rubidium coherent population trapping, a technique used in many atomic clocks, and magnetic sensors,” explained Jules Braddell, VP of Engineering at Pilot Photonics. “Our team has been developing the core comb source technology for years and is delighted to work with the European Space Agency to enhance it for this application.”

“Aside from being a great endorsement of our team and technology, this project aligns perfectly with our strategy to open up new markets for our comb source photonic chips. It is also a very exciting project for us to work on,” added Dr. Frank Smyth, CEO of Pilot Photonics.

The project start on 22nd June 2018 was welcomed by Enterprise Ireland, which co-ordinates Ireland’s industrial and research participation in the programmes of the European Space Agency on behalf of the Government of Ireland.

About Pilot Photonics Ltd.

Pilot Photonics has been engaged in R&D and product development of Optical Comb Source technologies since 2011. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, the company has launched its first commercial products and raised seed capital to develop further products using its patented technology.

 

# Contact

| **Pilot Photonics** |
| --- |
| Invent Building, Dublin City University |
| Dublin |
| KOB 1K0 |
| Ireland |
| Tel: 353 1 700 7953 |
|   |

**E-mail:** [info@pilotphotonics.com](mailto:info@pilotphotonics.com)

**Web Site:** [www.pilotphotonics.com/](http://www.pilotphotonics.com/)

[Optical Frequency Combs](https://content.pilotphotonics.com/press-releases/tag/optical-frequency-combs), [European Space Agency](https://content.pilotphotonics.com/press-releases/tag/european-space-agency), [News](https://content.pilotphotonics.com/press-releases/tag/news)

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