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Using slow light to enable laser frequency stabilization to a short, high-Q cavity
Optics Express
|January 29, 2025
Summary
This study presents a novel laser frequency stabilization method insensitive to thermal noise. The technique uses strong dispersion in a europium-ion-doped cavity, achieving ultra-precise tabletop frequency references.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Optics
- Laser Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Current laser frequency stabilization methods are limited by thermal noise-induced length fluctuations.
- Achieving high precision requires mitigating environmental disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cavity-length-insensitive laser frequency stabilization scheme.
- To evaluate limiting factors for slow light laser stabilization.
- To demonstrate a promising tabletop frequency reference.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a cavity-length-insensitive scheme using strong dispersion.
- Utilizing a 21 mm long cavity with a europium-ion-doped yttrium orthosilicate spacer.
- Evaluation of ion linewidths, spectral window deterioration, and cavity mode linewidths.
Main Results:
- Cavity modes narrowed by a factor of 1.6×105 using strong dispersion.
- Achieved a cavity linewidth of 3.0 kHz and a Q factor of 1.7×1011.
- Demonstrated frequency stabilization with overlapping Allan deviation below 6×10-14 and a drift rate of 3.66 Hz s-1.
Conclusions:
- The europium-based slow light laser frequency reference offers a promising solution for ultra-precise tabletop stabilization.
- The developed scheme effectively overcomes limitations imposed by thermal noise.
- Further improvements could enhance the performance of this frequency reference.
