Multiple wavelength stabilization on a single optical cavity using the offset sideband locking technique.

Area of Science:

• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Metrology and Measurement Science
• Quantum Information Science

Background:

• Optical lattice clocks require highly stable lasers for cooling and trapping atoms.
• Simultaneous frequency stabilization of multiple lasers presents significant technical challenges.
• Ytterbium (Yb) atoms are promising candidates for next-generation atomic clocks due to their properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a compact, robust, and stable device for simultaneous frequency stabilization of lasers at 399, 556, and 759 nm.
• To achieve high-precision laser locking for Yb atom manipulation in optical lattice clocks.
• To ensure long-term stability and low light shift uncertainty for clock operation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized offset sideband locking, a modified Pound-Drever-Hall technique.
• Employed a single ultra-stable optical cavity for locking multiple laser wavelengths.
• Integrated lasers at 399 nm, 556 nm, and 759 nm for Yb atom cooling and trapping.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 300 Hz linewidth for the 556 nm laser with an 80 ms integration time.
• Observed a long-term drift below 20 kHz/day at 759 nm.
• Demonstrated suitability for clock operation with light shift uncertainty below 1x10^-18.

Conclusions:

• The developed device enables simultaneous frequency stabilization of multiple lasers for Yb optical lattice clocks.
• The system exhibits excellent stability and precision, meeting the stringent requirements for advanced atomic clocks.
• Successful testing confirms the device's capability for reliable, long-term clock operation.