Phase-locked, low-noise, frequency agile titanium:sapphire lasers for simultaneous atom interferometers

Area of Science:

• Quantum Optics and Laser Physics
• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics

Background:

• Precise control of laser frequency and phase is critical for advanced applications like atom interferometry.
• Existing laser systems often struggle with phase noise and rapid frequency tuning, limiting measurement sensitivity.
• Titanium:sapphire lasers are versatile but require sophisticated techniques for phase locking and frequency control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a phase-locked laser system using two titanium:sapphire lasers.
• To achieve ultralow phase noise and rapid frequency tuning capabilities.
• To enable enhanced differential measurements in simultaneous atom interferometers by suppressing common-mode vibrations.

Main Methods:

• Phase locking a >1.6 W titanium:sapphire laser to a free-running titanium:sapphire laser at 852 nm.
• Utilizing an intracavity electro-optic phase modulator for phase control.
• Characterizing phase noise (-138 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz) and residual phase variance (2.5 x 10^-8 rad^2).

Main Results:

• Demonstrated phase locking of two titanium:sapphire lasers with high power (>1.6 W).
• Achieved ultralow phase noise of -138 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset frequency.
• Enabled phase-continuous frequency tuning within 200 ns with steps up to 4 MHz.

Conclusions:

• The developed laser system offers significant improvements in phase stability and frequency agility.
• This technology is well-suited for high-precision simultaneous atom interferometers.
• The system effectively suppresses common-mode vibrations, enhancing the accuracy of differential measurements.