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Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
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Direct Frequency-Comb-Driven Raman Transitions in the Terahertz Range
C Solaro1, S Meyer1, K Fisher1
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Physical Review Letters
|July 7, 2018
Summary
We used a femtosecond frequency comb to precisely measure atomic energy levels. This new Raman spectroscopy technique offers significantly improved accuracy for terahertz transitions.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Atomic physics
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Precise measurement of atomic energy levels is crucial for fundamental physics and metrology.
- Stimulated Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for probing atomic transitions.
- Existing methods face limitations in accuracy and applicability to a wide range of frequencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a femtosecond frequency comb for coherent driving of stimulated Raman transitions.
- To achieve high-accuracy spectroscopy of terahertz-spaced atomic energy levels.
- To explore the generalization of this technique to various atomic and molecular systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a femtosecond frequency comb to drive stimulated Raman transitions.
- Focusing on the 3d 2D3/2 and 3d 2D5/2 fine structure levels of a single trapped 40Ca+ ion.
- Spectroscopic resolution of the transition frequency.
Main Results:
- Resolved the transition frequency of 40Ca+ to be 1,819,599,021,534 ± 8 Hz.
- Achieved accuracy nearly five times better than previous Raman spectroscopy.
- Demonstrated millisecond coherence time and 99.3(6)% Rabi oscillation contrast.
- Showed that population dynamics are predictable from comb properties.
Conclusions:
- Femtosecond frequency combs enable highly accurate Raman spectroscopy of atomic energy levels.
- The technique offers significant improvements in accuracy and coherence.
- This method is versatile and applicable to a broad range of transitions, including molecular and highly charged ion systems.
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