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Updated: May 12, 2026

Implementation of a Reference Interferometer for Nanodetection
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Published on: April 26, 2014

Optical frequency metrology.

Th Udem1, R Holzwarth, T W Hänsch

  • 1Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Garching, Germany. thomas.udem@mpq.mpg.de

Nature
|March 15, 2002
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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New femtosecond-laser frequency combs enable counting of optical frequencies. This breakthrough facilitates high-precision optical spectroscopy and the development of advanced all-optical atomic clocks, potentially surpassing current caesium standards.

Area of Science:

  • Atomic physics
  • Quantum optics
  • Metrology

Background:

  • Extremely narrow optical resonances in cold atoms and trapped ions allow for high-resolution measurements.
  • A laser locked to these resonances can function as a highly stable oscillator for an all-optical atomic clock.
  • Historically, a reliable method to count optical frequencies (hundreds of terahertz) was lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the challenge of counting ultra-high optical frequencies for advanced atomic clocks.
  • To enable high-precision optical spectroscopy using novel clockwork mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Development and application of femtosecond-laser frequency comb technology.
  • Locking lasers to narrow optical resonances in cold atoms or single trapped ions.

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Last Updated: May 12, 2026

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  • Counting optical frequencies exceeding 10^15 cycles per second.

    • Main Results:

    • Femtosecond-laser frequency combs provide a reliable clockwork mechanism for optical frequencies.
    • The ability to count optical oscillations has been achieved.
    • High-precision optical spectroscopy is now feasible.

    Conclusions:

    • The advent of femtosecond-laser frequency combs has overcome a major hurdle in optical atomic clock development.
    • All-optical atomic clocks are now being constructed with the potential to outperform current caesium clocks.
    • This technology advances the field of precision measurement and spectroscopy.