NIST researchers have developed a compact laser frequency comb, a key component for precise measurements of light frequencies. The new comb, about the size of a shoebox, uses a semiconductor laser and a high-quality optical cavity just 2 millimeters wide. This compact design could lead to chip-based combs for applications in astronomy, telecommunications, and portable atomic clocks.
The NIST comb uses a low-power laser and a fused silica cavity, making it easier to integrate with other optical components. Its widely spaced “teeth” allow for easier measurement and manipulation, which could be particularly useful in astronomical searches for Earth-like planets. The research was supported in part by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
Keywords: Frequency, Comb, Laser, Metrology, Spectroscopy
