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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
06:42
Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
Simple tunable phase-locked lasers for quantum technologies
Nicola Agnew1, David Lowit1, Aidan S Arnold1
1Department of Physics, SUPA, University of Strathclyde, 107 Rottenrow, Glasgow, G4 0NG UK.
EPJ Quantum Technology
|June 19, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a cost-effective laser system for quantum technologies. This system produces precise, phase-locked laser light crucial for applications like atomic clocks and atom interferometry.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Technology
- Laser Physics
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Optimal laser sources are critical for quantum technology applications such as atomic clocks and atom interferometry.
- Two phase-locked laser sources with a precise difference frequency are essential for coherent population trapping clocks, gray molasses laser cooling, and Raman transitions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a cost-effective method for generating moderate-power, phase-locked laser light with tunable difference frequencies.
- To enable precise frequency control for quantum technology applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a simple laser diode to selectively amplify one sideband of a fiber-electrooptically-modulated seed laser.
- Achieving sub-Hz relative linewidth and tunable difference frequencies up to approximately 15 GHz.
Main Results:
- Successfully produced moderate-power phase-locked light with sub-Hz relative linewidth.
- Demonstrated tunable difference frequencies up to approximately 15 GHz using a cost-effective laser diode architecture.
- The architecture is scalable to multiple phase-locked lasers.
Conclusions:
- The developed laser system offers a practical and scalable solution for generating precise phase-locked light.
- This technology has the potential for integration into compact, on-chip laser systems for future quantum technologies.
