Integrated microcavity electric field sensors using Pound-Drever-Hall detection

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Integrated Optics
• Sensing Technology

Background:

• Weak electric field detection is crucial for cosmology, quantum technology, and power systems.
• Photonic integration offers enhanced performance for electric field sensors.
• Existing sensors have limitations in sensitivity and bandwidth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a high-Q microcavity electric field sensor (MEFS) on a silicon chip.
• To leverage thin-film lithium niobate for improved electro-optical interactions.
• To achieve ultra-high sensitivity and broad bandwidth for electric field measurements.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a high-Q microcavity on silicon chip-based thin-film lithium niobate.
• Utilizing the Pound-Drever-Hall detection scheme for sensitive measurements.
• Integration of photonic circuits for enhanced microwave and lightwave interactions.

Main Results:

• Achieved a detection sensitivity of 5.2 μV/(m[Formula: see text]), surpassing previous sensors by two orders of magnitude.
• Demonstrated a bandwidth up to three orders of magnitude broader than quantum sensing approaches.
• Enabled real-time measurement of fast electric field amplitude and phase variations.

Conclusions:

• The developed MEFS represents a significant advancement in electric field sensing.
• This technology paves the way for electric field sensing networks.
• Broadens the application scope of integrated microcavities in sensing.