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Cooling an Optically Trapped Ultracold Fermi Gas by Periodical Driving
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High-power, fiber-laser-based source for magic-wavelength trapping in neutral-atom optical clocks
William J Eckner1, Aaron W Young1, Nathan Schine1
1JILA, University of Colorado and National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|October 2, 2021
Summary
We developed a new 810 nm laser system capable of watt-level powers for trapping ultracold atoms. This robust laser technology is ideal for advancing strontium-based optical clocks.
Area of Science:
- Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics
- Quantum Optics
- Laser Technology
Background:
- Ultracold atoms require stable, high-power lasers for precise manipulation and trapping.
- Existing laser systems may not meet the specific power and wavelength requirements for advanced atomic clocks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a continuous-wave, watt-level 810 nm laser system.
- To develop a laser suitable for off-resonant dipole trapping of ultracold atoms.
- To provide a robust laser source for strontium-based optical clocks.
Main Methods:
- Difference-frequency generation (DFG) of 532 nm and 1550 nm fiber lasers.
- Single-pass configuration through periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN).
- Characterization of broadband spectral noise and relative intensity noise.
Main Results:
- Achieved watt-level output power at 810 nm.
- Measured noise levels compatible with ultracold atom trapping.
- Demonstrated tunability for strontium clock-magic-wavelength (813 nm).
Conclusions:
- The developed DFG laser system is a viable source for ultracold atom trapping.
- The approach shows potential for scaling to higher powers with improved nonlinear crystals.
- This technology can serve as a robust, rack-mountable trapping laser for future strontium optical clocks.
