A Compact Laser System for the Pulsed Optically Pumped Rubidium Cell Atomic Clock.

Area of Science:

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

Background:

• Pulsed optically pumped (POP) rubidium (Rb) atomic clocks require stable laser systems for high performance.
• Existing laser systems can be bulky, limiting the development of transportable atomic clock prototypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a compact laser system for POP Rb atomic clocks.
• To evaluate the frequency stability and performance of the developed laser system and its impact on atomic clock stability.

Main Methods:

• Integration of packaged optics for sub-Doppler absorption, acousto-optic modulation, and beam expansion.
• Implementation of dedicated electronics for reliable single-mode laser diode operation and frequency stabilization.
• Beat measurements between two identical laser systems to determine frequency stability.

Main Results:

• Achieved laser frequency stability of 3.0×10^-12 for averaging times of 1–60 s.
• Demonstrated laser frequency stability reaching 3.5×10^-12 at 10,000 s averaging time.
• Observed short-term stability of the Rb cell atomic clock in pulsed regime consistent with estimations.

Conclusions:

• The developed compact laser system is suitable for POP Rb atomic clocks.
• The laser system's high frequency stability contributes to improved atomic clock performance.
• This compact laser system is significant for advancing transportable and high-performance Rb atomic clock prototypes.