A superradiant clock laser on a magic wavelength optical lattice

Area of Science:

• Atomic physics
• Quantum optics
• Laser science

Background:

• Superradiant lasers promise exceptional frequency stability for optical clocks.
• Confining and pumping cold atoms in a cavity is essential for superradiance.
• Atomic interactions and collective decay can degrade laser performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of atomic interactions on superradiant laser performance.
• To quantify frequency shifts and linewidth broadening due to dipole-dipole interactions and collective decay.
• To evaluate the feasibility of achieving high stability in practical superradiant laser systems.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulations of few-atom systems with varying geometries and densities.
• Utilizing a magic wavelength lattice to minimize light shifts and ensure uniform atom-cavity coupling.
• Analyzing the effects of dipole-dipole interactions and collective spontaneous decay.

Main Results:

• Atomic interactions induce small frequency shifts and weak linewidth broadening in Strontium-based systems.
• Collective spontaneous emission has a minor impact on laser linewidth.
• Interactions can increase sensitivity to cavity length fluctuations but also improve dipole synchronization.

Conclusions:

• Atomic interactions are a key factor affecting superradiant laser stability.
• Careful system design, such as using Strontium in a magic wavelength lattice, can mitigate detrimental effects.
• Optimized conditions can leverage interactions for improved atomic dipole synchronization, enhancing laser performance.