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Closed-loop locking of an optical frequency comb to a large ring laser
Optics Letters
|October 10, 2013
Summary
This study demonstrates frequency locking of a ring laser to an optical frequency comb, achieving high stability. Researchers tested methods to reduce errors in ring laser gyroscopes, finding atmospheric pressure impacts rotation measurements.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Optical Engineering
- Metrology
Background:
- Ring laser gyroscopes are crucial for inertial navigation.
- Backscatter-induced errors can limit the precision of large ring laser gyroscopes.
- Optical frequency combs offer precise frequency references.
Purpose of the Study:
- To frequency lock a 16 m² ring laser to an optical frequency comb.
- To investigate methods for mitigating readout errors in ring laser gyroscopes.
- To assess the sensitivity to rotation and environmental factors.
Main Methods:
- Frequency locking a ring laser to a single tooth of an optical frequency comb referenced to a hydrogen maser.
- Operating the ring laser in common mode and adjacent longitudinal cavity modes.
- Measuring sensitivity to rotation and the influence of atmospheric pressure.
Main Results:
- Achieved a frequency stability of 1 kHz over several days.
- Demonstrated a sensitivity to rotation of 3×10⁻⁹ relative to Earth's rotation in common mode.
- Observed that operating on adjacent modes made the Sagnac frequency sensitive to atmospheric pressure changes.
Conclusions:
- Frequency locking provides high stability for ring lasers.
- Testing adjacent modes reveals susceptibility to environmental factors like atmospheric pressure.
- Further research is needed to fully mitigate backscatter-induced errors in large ring laser gyroscopes.
