Optical atomic clocks demonstrate a better stability and lower systematic
uncertainty than the highest performance microwave atomic clocks. However, the
best performing optical clocks have a large footprint in a laboratory
environment and require specialist skills to maintain continuous operation.
Growing and evolving needs across several sectors are increasing the demand for
compact robust and portable devices at this capability level. In this paper we
discuss the design of a physics package for a compact laser-cooled 88Sr+
optical clock that would, with further development, be suitable for space
deployment. We review the design parameters to target a relative frequency
uncertainty at the low parts in 10^18 with this system. We then explain the
results of finite element modelling to simulate the response of the ion trap
and vacuum chamber to vibration, shock and thermal conditions expected during
launch and space deployment. Additionally, an electrostatic model has been
developed to investigate the relationship between the ion trap geometrical
tolerances and the trapping efficiency. We present the results from these
analyses that have led to the design of a more robust prototype ready for
experimental testing.Comment: 21 Pages, 20 Figures, Approved for publication in "Proceedings of the
Royal Society A