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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
06:42
Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
Phase-coherent light pulses for atom optics and interferometry
T Heupel1, M Weitz, T W Hänsch
1Max-Planck-Institute für Quantenoptik, 85748 Garching, Germany.
Optics Letters
|January 12, 2008
Summary
Researchers created a new laser light source using an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) and resonator. This system generates powerful, phase-coherent light pulses with controllable optical phase, reaching 100 W peak power.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Laser Physics
- Quantum Optics
Background:
- Generating high-power, phase-coherent light pulses is crucial for various scientific applications.
- Existing methods often face limitations in power, coherence, or tunability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel and efficient source for generating powerful phase-coherent light pulses.
- To demonstrate controllable optical phase and high peak power output.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) within an external high-finesse optical resonator.
- Applying a radio-frequency (rf) pulse to the AOM to extract stored optical energy.
- Employing a molecular iodine interferometer to verify phase coherence.
Main Results:
- Achieved 100 W of peak power in a 15-ns optical pulse.
- Demonstrated controllable optical phase for extracted light pulses.
- Confirmed mutual phase coherence of successive light pulses through interferometry.
Conclusions:
- The developed system represents a novel and powerful source for phase-coherent light pulses.
- The technique allows for controllable optical phase and high peak power, opening possibilities for advanced applications.
- Successful demonstration of phase coherence validates the system's potential for precision optical experiments.
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