Vexlum and Menlo Systems Team Up to Accelerate Optical Clock Development

Key Takeaways

Vexlum and Menlo Systems collaborate to enhance optical atomic clock technology by creating a modular photonics source.
The partnership aims to simplify the construction and operation of ultra-precise optical clocks, making them more accessible and affordable.
Applications include GPS-independent navigation, secure data synchronization, and advancements in fundamental physics research.

Collaboration to Transform Optical Clock Technology

In April 2026, Vexlum, a producer of advanced semiconductor laser systems, and Menlo Systems, known for precision photonics technologies, announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the development of ultra-precise optical atomic clocks. This collaboration seeks to address the current complexities and costs associated with building and operating these advanced timekeeping systems.

Optical atomic clocks are notable for their unmatched precision, outperforming traditional microwave-based Cesium atomic clocks by a significant margin. They function at the frequency of visible light, which oscillates at around 100,000 times faster than microwave frequencies, offering unparalleled resolution for time measurements. However, their extraordinary potential has not yet been fully realized due to the intricate systems required for their operation.

The joint effort, part of the “VEQTOR” project funded by the EUROSTARS program, combines Vexlum’s cutting-edge laser technology with Menlo Systems’ precision metrology tools. The goal is to develop a standardized light source that meets the stringent requirements of the most accurate clocks. This innovation will enable research institutions and various companies to more readily construct optical atomic clocks that can drive several applications.

Prominent potential applications for optical atomic clocks include GPS-independent navigation systems, which could revolutionize transportation, secure data synchronization for financial transactions and other purposes across vast distances, and advanced gravitational sensing for monitoring major infrastructures and testing fundamental physical theories.

Dr. Felix Balling, Project Lead at Menlo Systems, emphasized the challenges posed by the reliance on multiple suppliers for the laser systems needed for optical clocks. Current setups are often cumbersome, requiring meticulous hands-on operation, which complicates system integration and continuous operation. The new collaboration aims to create a turn-key system that can simplify the construction of optical clocks, making them practical for widespread use.

Vexlum’s advanced semiconductor laser technology will provide the diverse laser wavelengths necessary for cooling, trapping, and measuring neutral strontium-87 atoms, a vital step in building these revolutionary atomic clocks. This integration facilitates a quicker assembly process, allowing scientists to bypass lengthy stabilization and calibration procedures usually required with various independent laser setups.

Riina Hietikko, Project Manager at Vexlum, remarked on how recent breakthroughs in laser and optics miniaturization are transforming the cost landscape of quantum technologies. Utilizing Vexlum’s Vertical-External-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VECSEL) technology, new modular light sources can be produced in compact, resilient, and cost-effective formats. This change empowers scientists to swiftly transition from development to experimentation, fostering faster discoveries and commercial applications.

Both Vexlum and Menlo Systems actively participate in significant EU-funded initiatives, such as the Horizon Innovation Action project AQuRA (Advanced Quantum Clock for Real-World Applications). These initiatives aim to enhance the supply chain for reliable, transportable optical clock components and expedite the transition from laboratory research to practical use in the marketplace.

The companies will showcase their joint technology and innovations at the 39th European Frequency and Time Forum (EFTF) conference in Noordwijk, Netherlands, from April 20-23, 2026. Vexlum will be located at stand 13, while Menlo Systems will be at stand 11.

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