Low phase noise beams for Raman transitions with a phase modulator and a highly birefringent crystal

Area of Science:

• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Quantum Optics

Background:

• Raman transitions are crucial for various applications in atomic physics and quantum optics.
• Minimizing phase noise in Raman excitation is essential for high-precision measurements and quantum control.
• Existing techniques often suffer from phase noise and environmental sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a technique for exciting Raman transitions with minimal phase noise.
• To enable efficient driving of both co-propagating and counter-propagating Raman transitions.
• To reduce the sensitivity of Raman excitation to vibrations and temperature fluctuations.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a phase modulator to generate Raman beams.
• Employing a long calcite crystal for polarization rotation of sidebands relative to the carrier.
• Configuring the setup to convert destructive interference into constructive interference for Raman pairs.
• Applying the technique to drive velocity-insensitive Raman transitions.

Main Results:

• Achieved Raman transition excitation with minimum phase noise.
• Demonstrated the ability to drive both co-propagating and counter-propagating transitions at high detuning.
• The technique exhibits low sensitivity to vibrations and temperature fluctuations.
• The calcite crystal can be configured for sideband filtering.

Conclusions:

• The presented technique offers a robust method for low-phase-noise Raman excitation.
• This approach enhances the efficiency and stability of driving Raman transitions.
• The versatility of the setup allows for various configurations, including sideband filtering.