The optical frequency comb, invented by Jan Hall and his team at JILA, has revolutionized precision measurement and atomic clocks. The comb allows precise measurement of frequencies and lengths, enabling more accurate atomic clocks. NIST scientists have developed optical frequency combs to measure atomic transition frequencies in mercury and calcium ions, creating the first optical atomic clocks. These clocks are up to seven times more precise than current cesium clocks, with potential applications in cosmology, navigation, and fundamental physics.
The technology has evolved, with researchers developing new types of frequency combs for various applications. Optical frequency combs are now used in astronomy, chemistry, national security, and telecommunications. They have enabled new types of collaborations between atomic physicists and specialists in other fields. The applications of frequency combs continue to expand, with ongoing research into miniaturization, higher frequencies, and faster speeds.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/nist-and-nobel/jan-hall/prizes-legacy-jan-hall
Keywords: Frequency, Combs, Precision, Measurements, Sensitivity
