  Atomic clocks play a crucial role in timekeeping, communications, and
navigation systems. Recent efforts enabled by heterogeneous MEMS integration
have led to the commercial introduction of Chip-Scale Atomic Clocks (CSAC) with
a volume of 16 cm3, power consumption of 120 mW, and instability (Allan
Deviation) of {\sigma}({\tau} = 1 sec) < 2e-10. In order to reduce the
temperature sensitivity of next-generation CSACs for timing applications, the
interaction of atoms with the environment must be minimized, which can be
accomplished in an architecture based on trapped, laser-cooled atoms. In this
paper, we present results describing the development of a miniature cold-atom
apparatus for operation as a frequency standard. Our architecture is based on
laser-cooling a sample of neutral atoms in a Magneto-Optical Trap (MOT) using a
conical retro-reflector in a miniature vacuum chamber. Trapping the atoms in
vacuum and performing microwave interrogation in the dark reduces the
temperature sensitivity compared to vapor-cell CSACs. We present details of the
component development associated with the laser systems, opto-electronics, and
vacuum package for miniature cold-atom technology. Finally, we conclude by
characterizing the optimum alkali background pressure for such a cold-atom
frequency standard.
