We are exploring the application of ghost-imaging-like techniques to astronomy, with the objective of detecting intensity-correlation signatures resulting from space objects of interest, such as exo-planets, gas clouds, and gravitational lenses. We show that the key aspect of being able to utilize ghost imaging in astronomy is the recognition that in interstellar imaging geometries the object of interest can act as an effective beam splitter, yielding detectable variations in the intensity-correlation signature. Some of the recent findings are summarized in Journal of Physics: Conference Series 414 (2013) 012037

We apply focused ion beam (FIB) methods to precisely engrave a surface grating directly into the perimeter of a crystalline disc. The grating provides a simple and highly directional free-space coupling mechanism with superior stability to evanescent coupling techniques. These embedded gratings can also provide control of the resonance spectrum, significantly reducing the mode density. Other augmentations and applications are possible. The research results are reported in the forthcoming issue of Optics Letters

In collaboration with Sandia National Laboratory in a joint DARPA project, JPL has developed a 3 cc trapped ion package. The Yb+ ion clock package is completed sealed off without any active pump yet provide exceptionally long long trapping lifetime. Using this small package, the Sandia team was able to demonstrate the fractional frequency stability at the level of 10^-14 range after a few days of integration. The results have been reported in Applied Physics Letters

A small temperature-stabilized WGM resonator has been shown to have an equivalent temperature coefficient of less than 40 ppb, close to that of ULE. We utilize the dual mode scheme for the resonator temperature stabilization. IN addition, we investigated potentials and limitations of the dual mode scheme in frequency stabilization. In the experiment, we demonstrated a 1560 nm laser stabilized to 1.3×10^-12 at 1 s and a long term drift of 21 kHz/hr over one day period. The result has been published in the most recent Optics Express

NASA has recently begun development on the Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL), a multi-user facility for the study of ultra-cold quantum gases in the microgravity environment of the space station. One of the primary goals of this facility will be to explore a previously inaccessible regime of extremely low temperatures where interesting and novel quantum phenomena can be expected. It will also be a pathfinder experiments for many cold atom based space applications to come in the future. JPL will be responsible for developing the CAL ISS payload. The Quantum Sciences and Technology group will be a key player in the ISS facility development as well as science experiments. For more information, please visit CAL website