Laser Centre of the University of Latvia

Software
Research
Education
Instruments & payload
Analysis & test services
Life & physical sciences
Optics & photonics

The Laser Centre of the University of Latvia has gathered excellence and know-how in various aspects of magneto-optical effects in atomic vapors and diamonds, specifically, nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond: the fabrication impact on the properties of the defect, fundamental NV physics, development of NV based magnetic resonance platforms and magnetic structure and biomagnetic imaging. Also, a project, “Feasibility study of spacecraft magnetometers based on nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond”, financed by the European Space Agency (ESA), whose main goal was a magnetometer prototype device, has been completed (2021) giving experience in a compact and resource effective magnetometer creation. Also, the Laser Centre also has previous experience in the development of optically addressed magnetometer systems where an alkali-vapor gradiometer based on optical thin cells has been developed. Research is being done in the context of GNSS denied magneto-georeferencing and vector-magnetometry within a project financed by the European Defence Fund (EDF), “Advanced, Disruptive and Emerging QUAntum technologies for DEfense”. The Laser Center is also part of the “Latvian Quantum Initiative” project.

 

TECHNOLOGIES AND COMPETENCES

The Laser Centre of the University of Latvia employs a number of experienced researchers in the field of NV and atom based magnetometry with a strong background in physics. The researchers have a vast experience in prototyping various optical systems, designs and assemblies, working with precise optical alignments in light and space tight experiments and optical phenomena related to magnetic fields.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN SPACE

  • Vector magnetometer prototype device created for an ESA project: “Feasibility study of spacecraft magnetometers based on nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond”

EQUIPMENT

  • Electromagnets, DPSS Lasers, diode lasers, Helmholtz coil platforms, photodetectors, stabilized optical tables, optical cryostat, annealing oven, high DC current supplies, high speed data acquisition electronics, nanotesla sensitivity magnetometers

MAJOR SPACE PROJECTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Vector magnetometer prototype device created for an ESA project: “Feasibility study of spacecraft magnetometers based on nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond”

CURRENT AND TARGET PARTNERSHIP

  • Currently, the customers are research project funding providers, for example, ESA, EDF, ERDF and national science research projects.
  • R&D companies as collaboration partners that require scientific research and expertise.
Total employees12
Employees in space3
Turnover1 200 000 EUR
Export quota space0 %
Jelgavas Street 3, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
+371 29251471
Contact persons: Reinis Lazda