Precise spectroscopy of ¹⁶⁷Er:Y₂SiO₅ based on laser frequency stabilization using a fiber laser comb

Area of Science:

• Quantum Optics
• Solid-State Spectroscopy
• Materials Science

Background:

• Precise characterization of rare-earth-doped materials is crucial for quantum technologies.
• Understanding hyperfine level systems provides insights into material properties and potential applications.
• Previous spectroscopic methods lacked the required frequency stability for detailed analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve high-precision frequency-domain spectroscopy of the ¹⁶⁷Er hyperfine level system in Y₂SiO₅.
• To demonstrate the utility of optical frequency combs for stabilizing light sources in spectroscopy.
• To enable straightforward exploration of relaxation mechanisms via spectral hole-burning.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an optical frequency comb to stabilize a light source to a long-term accuracy of hertz.
• Achieved an Allan deviation of less than 10 Hz for an integration time of 180 seconds.
• Performed spectral hole-burning experiments to obtain a precise hole spectrum.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated unprecedented frequency stability for spectroscopic measurements.
• Obtained a highly accurate spectral hole spectrum with a narrow homogeneous linewidth.
• The achieved precision facilitates detailed analysis of spectral features.

Conclusions:

• The developed spectroscopic method offers a pathway to accurately probe relaxation mechanisms.
• This technique enhances the study of rare-earth-doped materials for quantum applications.
• Steady-state measurements can now provide deep insights into material dynamics.