A long-term frequency stabilized deep ultraviolet laser for Mg+ ions trapping experiments.

Area of Science:

• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Laser Spectroscopy
• Quantum Information Science

Background:

• Precision laser spectroscopy experiments critically depend on frequency-stabilized lasers.
• Existing laser stabilization methods often lack the long-term stability required for demanding applications.
• Deep ultraviolet (DUV) lasers, such as the 280 nm laser, are crucial for various atomic and molecular studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve long-term frequency stabilization of a 280 nm deep ultraviolet laser.
• To significantly reduce the long-term frequency drift of the DUV laser.
• To demonstrate the applicability of the stabilized laser in precision experiments like ion trapping.

Main Methods:

• Frequency stabilization of a 280 nm laser to a high-precision wavemeter.
• Implementation of a digital servo control loop for laser frequency locking.
• Measurement of laser frequency drift over 8 hours using a fiber frequency comb system.

Main Results:

• The maximum drift rate of the 280 nm laser was reduced from 576 MHz/h to 6.4 MHz/h after initial locking.
• Further environmental control of the wavemeter reduced the maximum drift rate to less than 480 kHz/h.
• The stabilized laser system proved successful in a Magnesium ion (Mg+) trapping experiment.

Conclusions:

• Long-term frequency stabilization of a 280 nm DUV laser is achievable using a wavemeter and digital servo control.
• The developed stabilization technique drastically reduces laser frequency drift, enabling higher precision measurements.
• The stabilized laser system is a valuable tool for advanced experiments, including ion trapping and precision spectroscopy.