An optical atomic sensor, the sensor comprising: a first photonic integrated circuit; a second photonic integrated circuit; and an atom trapping chamber positioned between and bonded to the first photonic integrated circuit and the second photonic integrated circuit with the first photonic integrated circuit and the second photonic integrated circuit aligned parallel to each other; and a sample of atomic vapor sealed within the atom trapping chamber; wherein the first photonic integrated circuit and second photonic integrated circuit each comprise: a plurality of grating emitters fabricated into respective surfaces of the first and second photonic integrated circuit; a system of waveguides configured to couple laser light from one or more laser light sources to the plurality of grating emitters; wherein at least one of the plurality of grating emitters of each of the first photonic integrated circuit and second photonic integrated circuit are arranged to launch laser light beams into the atom trapping chamber in a pattern structured to cool the atomic vapor and produce at least one atom trap inside the atom trapping chamber; and wherein the plurality of grating emitters further include at least one grating emitter configured to emit a laser light probe into the atomic vapor. a first photonic integrated circuit; a second photonic integrated circuit; and an atom trapping chamber positioned between and bonded to the first photonic integrated circuit and the second photonic integrated circuit with the first photonic integrated circuit and the second photonic integrated circuit aligned parallel to each other; and a sample of atomic vapor sealed within the atom trapping chamber; wherein the first photonic integrated circuit and second photonic integrated circuit each comprise: a plurality of grating emitters fabricated into respective surfaces of the first and second photonic integrated circuit; a system of waveguides configured to couple laser light from one or more laser light sources to the plurality of grating emitters; wherein at least one of the plurality of grating emitters of each of the first photonic integrated circuit and second photonic integrated circuit are arranged to launch laser light beams into the atom trapping chamber in a pattern structured to cool the atomic vapor and produce at least one atom trap inside the atom trapping chamber; and wherein the plurality of grating emitters further include at least one grating emitter configured to emit a laser light probe into the atomic vapor. a plurality of grating emitters fabricated into respective surfaces of the first and second photonic integrated circuit; a system of waveguides configured to couple laser light from one or more laser light sources to the plurality of grating emitters; wherein at least one of the plurality of grating emitters of each of the first photonic integrated circuit and second photonic integrated circuit are arranged to launch laser light beams into the atom trapping chamber in a pattern structured to cool the atomic vapor and produce at least one atom trap inside the atom trapping chamber; and wherein the plurality of grating emitters further include at least one grating emitter configured to emit a laser light probe into the atomic vapor.