NIST researchers are developing advanced laser stabilization techniques to achieve unprecedented levels of optical coherence and frequency stability. Their work focuses on cryogenically-cooled sapphire optical cavities operating at 5K, which minimize thermal noise and enable laser stabilization at the 10^-17 fractional level.
The team is exploring applications of these ultra-stable lasers in coherent spectroscopy of atoms, with the goal of realizing optical clocks with 10^-18 instability. Their research has already led to significant advancements, including an atomic clock with 10^-18 instability and the generation of ultrastable microwaves via optical frequency division.
Key technical points:
– Cryogenic sapphire optical cavities minimize thermal noise
– Laser stabilization at 10^-17 fractional level achieved
– Applications in optical clocks and coherent spectroscopy
– Potential for centimeter-level geodesy
– Multiple cold atom samples maximize coherent interactions
Source: https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/laser-stabilization-and-coherence-optical-resonators
Keywords: Laser, Optical, Cavity, Stabilization, Spectroscopy
