Laser Offset Stabilization with Chip-Scale Atomic Diffractive Elements

Published

June 7, 2024

Author(s)

Heleni Krelman, Ori Nefesh, Kfir Levi, Douglas Bopp, Songbai Kang, Liron Stern, John Kitching

Abstract

Achieving precise and adjustable control over laser frequency is an essential requirement in numerous applications such as precision spectroscopy, quantum control, and sensing. In many of such applications it is desired to stabilize a laser with a variable detuning from an atomic line. In this study, we employ an offset-stabilization scheme by utilizing phase contrast spectroscopy in microfabricated atomic diffractive elements vapor-cells. The spectroscopic response of such a device generates oscillating optical fringes, providing significant amount of stable optical frequency references with an ultimate of 10's of GHz centered around the absorption resonances of Rb. We demonstrate laser stabilization at various offset frequencies with instabilities reaching sub-MHz levels, maintaining a floor of 10 kHz. We further explore the fundamental limitations of our hybrid atomic-photonic device, drawing parallels to birefringent and dichroic spectroscopy apparatuses, which are commonly employed for offset stabilization. Our system showcases a broad offset lock bandwidth, a highly compact footprint, scalability to chip-scale production, and the ability to operate without reliance on magnetic fields. These attributes pave the way for a multitude of applications in quantum technologies.

Citation

APL Photonics

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

Atomic spectroscopy, wavelength reference, micromachining, MEMS, atomic physics

Citation

Krelman, H. , Nefesh, O. , Levi, K. , Bopp, D. , Kang, S. , Stern, L. and Kitching, J. (2024), Laser Offset Stabilization with Chip-Scale Atomic Diffractive Elements, APL Photonics (Accessed July 17, 2024)