An integrated laser system for the cold atom clock
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Construction and Characterization of External Cavity Diode Lasers for Atomic Physics
Published on: April 24, 2014
Mingyuan Yu1, Huadong Cheng1, Yanling Meng1
1Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China.
Abstract:
We demonstrate an integrated laser system for the mobile integrating sphere cold atom clock. Three distributed Bragg reflector diode lasers (780 nm) with custom drive circuits are used for the cooling, repumping, pumping, and probe lights. Automatic frequency-locking and relocking of the laser are presented. All of the optical elements are integrated on two sides of an aluminum base plate. The mechanical structure is simulated and optimized to minimize the deformation of the base plate. We optimize, measure, and discuss the frequency and intensity noises of the laser system. The techniques and designs used in this laser system can also be used in other mobile platforms for quantum sensing experiments.
Related Concept Videos
Responses to Heat and Cold Stress
Atomic Structure
Atomic Mass
Atomic Orbitals
Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals I
The Quantum-Mechanical Model of an Atom

