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Spherical reference cavities for frequency stabilization of lasers in non-laboratory environments
David R Leibrandt1, Michael J Thorpe, Mark Notcutt
1National Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 Broadway St., Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA. david.leibrandt@nist.gov
Optics Express
|March 4, 2011
Summary
This study introduces a novel optical cavity design using a spherical spacer, making it insensitive to vibrations and orientation. This innovation enables frequency stable lasers for use outside of traditional laboratory settings.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Optical Engineering
- Metrology
Background:
- Optical cavities are crucial for frequency stabilization of lasers.
- Environmental factors like vibrations and orientation can degrade laser frequency stability.
- Existing designs often struggle in non-laboratory environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an optical cavity design with enhanced insensitivity to vibrations and orientation.
- To enable the deployment of frequency stable lasers in challenging environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a spherical cavity spacer with a rigid two-point mount.
- Employed a "squeeze insensitive angle" to minimize support force coupling.
- Performed finite element analysis to determine acceleration sensitivity.
- Measured acceleration sensitivity and laser fractional frequency stability.
Main Results:
- The optical cavity design demonstrated insensitivity to vibrations and orientation.
- Measured acceleration sensitivities were as low as 4.0(5)×10(-11)/g.
- Achieved a fractional frequency stability of 1.2×10(-15) for a locked laser.
Conclusions:
- The proposed spherical optical cavity design significantly reduces sensitivity to environmental disturbances.
- This design facilitates the operation of frequency stable lasers in non-laboratory settings.
- Potential applications include field metrology and portable atomic clocks.
